<snip>
Perhaps a more palatable approach would have been for IPC to write, or
contract someone's services to write such a program.  That way IPC would
have ownership and wouldn't be endorsing any one company or person.
<snip>

Years ago, back when Rich Nedbal was still in the CAD-CAM game, IPC talked with him about writing a data format that it would then present as an industry standard. As I recall, the asking price was aroun $1 million, which IPC couldn't afford. But I raise this only because there is a precedent for the conversation, if not the actual execution.

Also, on the subject on endorsements, IPC does have an arrangement with Conductor Analysis Technologies (CAT), which developed a matrix for measuring board fabricators capability. Without editorializing whether this matrix (known as the PCQR2) is useful or not -- and there is very deep disagreement among OEMs and board fabs whether it is -- my understanding is that IPC administers the subscriptions and gets a cut of the profits. Again, if I'm wrong, I'm sure IPC will tell me. :-)

Mike

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