I've mentioned that our hotel and conference site overlooked the Duomo Cathedral, one of the largest in Europe. Having scampered all across its roof, sliding over flying buttresses and surfing down drainage channels - imagine the liability risks if that were permitted in the U.S.! - I was struck by the level of detail in the cathedral (900 life-size statues adorn its exterior), and also its remarkable engineering, particularly since it was designed during the Dark Ages. Our host, Alberto Mingardi, pointed out to me that the cathedral took over 400 years to build. He said when Italians tackle a tough task, they say it could be a Duomo-scale project. Of course, we Americans have a difficult time fathoming 400 years, let alone half that time, but Alberto's words stayed in my mind as I listened to the spirited debate at our conference. As Ray Gifford said at the beginning and end of the conference, standard-setting is hard. It's important to take a long view, I realize. I'm just not sure any market can wait as long as the Milanese did for the Duomo to be constructed.

posted by Patrick Ross @ 7:50 AM | Digital Europe

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