I have several links to surface mount standards, but what I would like to know
is who actually makes the standards for these footprints?
Is it IC makers and they are adopted such organizations as IPC?
Are the IPC standards THE standard or are they a collection of
others?
 
I understand there are some European standards as well. Who
controls these? (These may be a Gary questions)
 
I've found standards or actually descriptions at several different sites and
want to ensure all are correct.
 
Same question with package types....
 
 
CR