Today I would like to describe two ways about how to define a standard in software. The main point is the size of the company which faces the challenge.

For a small company is usual to launch a good product and later spread it trying to define a de facto standard.

On the contrary, if a company has a predominant position it is common to release a specification and after, if necessary, an implementation of reference.

Both approches aim to lead a standard. Although the first one seems much more tedious, I consider it's a stronger way of controlling the specification since a good product is supporting the standard. Anyway, sometimes it is hard to fight against a settled brand.