Latest news with #standardization
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Key Tech Firms Unite As Google Donates A2A To Linux Foundation
Neurons Major technology vendors are converging around a single protocol for artificial intelligence agent communication, potentially ending the fragmentation that has limited the deployment of enterprise AI. Google's donation of its Agent2Agent protocol to the Linux Foundation brings together Amazon Web Services, Cisco, Microsoft, Salesforce, SAP and ServiceNow as foundational members of a new standardization effort. The move addresses a fundamental challenge facing enterprise technology leaders: how to deploy AI agents that can work together across different platforms without requiring custom integrations for each vendor relationship. Current enterprise AI implementations often create isolated systems that cannot share information or coordinate tasks, limiting the automation potential that drives AI investment decisions. Technical Foundation Enables Cross-Platform Agent Communication The a2a protocol operates as a communication layer that allows AI agents to discover each other's capabilities, exchange information securely and coordinate complex tasks regardless of their underlying technology stack. The system uses JSON-RPC 2.0 over HTTP for standardized communication, with server-sent events enabling real-time streaming interactions between agents. Agent discovery occurs through 'Agent Cards,' which serve as digital business cards that contain capability descriptions and connection information. When an agent needs to complete a task requiring specialized expertise, it can query available agents, review their capabilities and establish secure communication channels without human intervention. The protocol supports both synchronous request-response patterns and asynchronous workflows, accommodating enterprise scenarios where tasks may require human approval or extend across multiple business days. Authentication mechanisms ensure that only authorized agents can access specific capabilities while maintaining audit trails for compliance requirements. Amazon Web Services has already demonstrated practical implementation by creating tools that expose Bedrock agents through a2a endpoints. This enables enterprises using AWS infrastructure to make their AI agents accessible to agents running on other platforms, thereby creating the interoperability that enterprise architectures require. Market Convergence Accelerates Standards Adoption The Linux Foundation announcement represents the consolidation of previously competing approaches to agent interoperability. More than 100 technology companies now support the a2a protocol, expanding from the initial 50 partners when Google first launched the specification in April. Microsoft has integrated a2a support into Azure AI Foundry and enabled a2a agent invocation through Copilot Studio. This integration allows enterprises already committed to Microsoft's AI toolchain to participate in multi-vendor agent workflows without replacing existing investments. Salesforce contributed the Agent Card concept that became central to a2a's capability discovery mechanism. The company positions agent interoperability as essential for reaching what it terms 'Level 4 multi-agent orchestration,' where specialized agents collaborate across enterprise systems. The convergence creates particular implications for Cisco's AGNTCY initiative, which has been developing infrastructure for what it calls the 'Internet of Agents'. Rather than competing with a2a, Cisco is integrating a2a support directly into AGNTCY's core components including the Directory, Identity, SLIM Messaging and Observability frameworks. This approach transforms AGNTCY from a potential competing standard into complementary infrastructure that enhances a2a's capabilities. Strategic Implications for Technology Decision Makers The Linux Foundation's governance model offers vendor neutrality, addressing enterprise concerns about being locked into proprietary ecosystems. Technology leaders can invest in a2a implementations with confidence that the protocol will evolve through community input rather than single-vendor control. Standardization creates opportunities for enterprises to implement modular AI strategies, where specialized agents from different vendors can collaborate on complex workflows. For example, a customer service workflow might combine Salesforce agents for CRM interactions, ServiceNow agents for incident management and AWS agents for data analysis, all coordinating through a2a protocols. However, successful implementation requires careful architectural planning. Enterprises need to establish agent governance frameworks, implement monitoring capabilities and develop policies for inter-agent data sharing before deploying production systems. The protocol provides the technical foundation, but organizational readiness determines success. Technology leaders should evaluate their current integration capabilities and security postures before committing to multi-agent architectures. While a2a reduces technical barriers to agent interoperability, it does not eliminate the need for robust data governance, identity management and compliance frameworks that enterprise AI deployments require.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Frankfurt China-Germany Standardization Cooperation Innovation Center Launched
Taicang Municipal People's Government FRANKFURT, Germany, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The China-Germany Standardization Cooperation Innovation Center was officially inaugurated in Frankfurt on June 23. The opening ceremony, held along the scenic banks of the Rhine River, marked a significant step forward in enhancing standardization and cultural exchange between China and Germany. The Frankfurt center is an extension of the Suzhou China-Germany Standardization Cooperation Innovation Center and represents Jiangsu Province's first standardization innovation platform established in Germany by a local government. It was jointly established by the Taicang Municipal People's Government and the Suzhou Market Supervision Administration under the guidance of the National Standardization Management Committee. The center will focus on four core areas: standardization policy exchange, standard system research, the development of international standards, and the cultivation of international standardization talents. The core mission of the center is to strengthen collaboration with renowned German standardization bodies such as DIN and DKE, facilitating a bridge for China-Germany standard information sharing, promoting the alignment of technical regulations, and enabling Suzhou (Taicang) enterprises to participate in the formulation of international standards. This collaboration will inject "standardization" power into deepening China-Germany economic and trade relations. Wang Xiangyuan, Secretary of the Taicang Municipal Committee, emphasized that standardization is crucial for the long-term success of enterprises. Taicang has had a 30-year cooperation history with Germany, with over 550 German-funded enterprises located in the city, forming a robust industrial ecosystem in areas such as high-end manufacturing. Florian Spiteller, Director of International Cooperation at DKE noted that international electrical standards are central to promoting technological and cultural exchange, helping companies expand into new markets and produce reliable, safe products. The official operation of the Frankfurt China-Germany Standardization Cooperation Innovation Center represents a solid step in the process of advancing standardization and fostering deeper trade and standardization cooperation between China and Germany. This center will inject fresh momentum into bilateral cooperation. In recent years, Taicang has actively promoted standardization exchanges with Germany, striving to create a new model for China-Germany standardization cooperation that spans Suzhou, the Yangtze River Delta, and the entire country. Through these efforts, Taicang has become home to a strong base of German enterprises with solid manufacturing capabilities and a good standardization foundation. Taicang enterprises have led and participated in the development of numerous international and national standards, reinforcing the city's position as a key player in international standardization. CONTACT: Mr. Feng Tel: 86-10-63074558
Globe and Mail
05-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Kinghelm Introduces Comprehensive VIS Standardization System for Unified Brand Communication
Kinghelm/SLKOR Fully Implements the VIS Standardization System (Version 25.04) Mr. Song Shiqiang emphasized that sustainable corporate growth requires strengthened standardization and process management. Kinghelm Electronics and its "Kinghelm" brand are renowned globally in the RF antenna and signal connector industry. To further standardize governance and visual identity, Kinghelm/SLKOR has launched the VIS Standardization System (Version 25.04) in 2025. After 18 years of innovation and market development under Mr. Song's leadership, Kinghelm achieved over 80% growth for three consecutive years (2022–2024). Breakthroughs in R&D, efficient organizational synergy, knowledge engineering, and talent development have driven high-quality growth. The new VIS system unifies brand image, enhances recognition, and boosts competitiveness. 1. C orporate Name: Kinghelm "Kinghelm" (Helm of the King) embodies the ethos of "inner sagehood, outer kingship." The company adheres to strict quality control, integrity-driven collaboration, and a culture of "integrity, excellence, resilience, and attention to detail." Guided by the principle "Do not impose on others what you do not desire," Kinghelm aims to become a global leader in antennas and connectors, serving the world with cutting-edge technology. 2. Logo The red-and-white ' Kinghelm® 'logo features dynamic slanted typography, conveying modernity and premium appeal. 3. Slogan ' Kinghelm Connects World ' is handwritten with bold strokes, blending classical calligraphy, street art, and futuristic flair. The slogan aligns precisely with the logo in layout (e.g., the slogan's first character aligns between the "g" and "h" of "Kinghelm"), reflecting the brand's dedication to precision. 4. Brand Avatar & Color Palette The bilingual avatar uses deep blue as the primary color with red accents—a timeless, eye-catching combination. The 15° upward tilt symbolizes momentum and the team's striving spirit. 5. Business Card Designed with traditional Chinese motifs (e.g., xiangyun clouds), the card integrates Five Elements theory: blue (wood) background and red (fire) text, signifying "wood fueling fire." A QR code links to Kinghelm's website. 6. PPT Template Standardized typography and spacing are applied. The template features the English logo and slogan at the top left, a blue base, and a diamond-cut border with the website URL. 7. Document Format Official documents place the logo in the header (aligned with 15pt font size) and the website/slogan in the footer. 8. Mascot The blue mascot incorporates antenna elements on its head and ears, symbolizing Kinghelm's core products. Its vibrant smile represents optimism and prosperity. 9. Branded Products l Promotional Stickers: Red background with cloud patterns and the slogan "Kinghelm connects world." l Work Uniforms: Worn company-wide, the "vibrant Chinese red" uniforms reflect Kinghelm's culture of perseverance and commitment to China's semiconductor strategy. l Badminton Jerseys: Worn during team-building sports events to boost cohesion and "core spirit." 10. Promotional Gifts Gifts (e.g., Bluetooth earphones, power banks, phone stands) feature Kinghelm/SLKOR branding and have been used in campaigns like free umbrella giveaways during rainstorms at Huaqiangbei stores. Branded gift bags and packaging tapes are also standardized under the VIS. About Kinghelm & SLKOR: Founded in 2007, Kinghelm ( is a national high-tech enterprise specializing in RF antennas and connectors. It holds multiple patents and certifications (ISO9001, RoHS, REACH). SLKOR Semiconductor ( established in 2015, focuses on advanced materials like SiC MOSFETs and has become synonymous with "domestic substitution." Both companies serve over 20,000 global clients under the leadership of Mr. Song Shiqiang—researcher at the State Council's Economic Development Center and expert in electronics and Huaqiangbei's business ecosystem.
RNZ News
20-05-2025
- General
- RNZ News
The Metre Convention turns 150: We meet New Zealand's
Left: Jeannie with her parents George and Elspeth. Right: Jeannie's first day of school with her teacher Sally Barrett. Photo: Supplied It's 150 years today since the Metre Convention was signed - a pretty radical initiative at the time that had a massive global impact. Up until then, the world's measurements were pretty ad hoc, and as trade increased around the world there was an urgent need for some kind of standardisation. The Convention - also known as the Treaty of the Metre - ushered in the metric system. New Zealand started the transition to metric in 1969 and was fully metric by December 1976. Almost every country in the world, except the US, Myanmar and Liberia, uses the metric system. Jeannie Preddey knows perhaps better than most about what it meant to go metric. She's thought to be the first baby in New Zealand whose weight was announced in kilograms, rather than pounds. She became a mascot of sorts - dubbed "Little Miss Metric" and every birthday until she was ten (of course) she was given a "metric birthday party" by the New Zealand Metric Advisory Board.
Zawya
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Johnson Electric Hosts 2025 Humanoid Roundtable to Explore Hardware Standards in Next-Generation Humanoid Robotics
Leaders from seven humanoid manufacturers convene with hardware experts to discuss the future of humanoid hardware standardization VANDALIA, OHIO - Media OutReach Newswire - 14 May 2025 - Johnson Electric, a global leader in motion systems, hosted the inaugural 2025 Humanoid Roundtable on April 29 in Boston, MA, USA. The event brought together C-suite and technical executives in small to large humanoid manufacturers located across North America, Europe, and China. Co-hosted by advanced technology experts, ESTAT Actuation, Netzer Precision, and IMSystems, the aim was to foster an open and informal discussion on the future of humanoid hardware standardization. Participants shared challenges, identified overlapping needs, and explored how shared standards might simplify integration and reduce costs. Top priorities included addressing recurring technical hurdles—such as motor-gearbox compatibility, connector reliability, and the lack of modular, off-the-shelf actuation systems. "We found our hypothesis to be largely correct; in future humanoid platforms, differentiation will increasingly come from AI, training data, and application learning systems," said Adam Stienecker, Director of Global Innovation at Johnson Electric. That framing set the tone for a discussion that ranged from subsystem modularity to the broader need for scalable service infrastructure and commercialization strategies beyond the product itself. The challenges and priorities raised are now helping shape the focus of Johnson Electric's follow-on event this September with A3, where the company will introduce its new joint solutions designed to reduce system cost and enable advanced functionality. "There was a clear willingness to define what standards could look like—and to keep the conversation going. We're looking forward to building on that momentum in September with A3, as plans are finalized." said Carlos Richardson, roundtable emcee and Business Designer at Johnson Electric. The 2025 Humanoid Roundtable is part of a broader industry effort to accelerate the path to scalable, serviceable, and commercially viable humanoid systems. For interest related to humanoid joint systems, to speak into standardization, or to learn more, please contact the Johnson Electric team at innovation@ Hashtag: #JohnsonElectric The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Johnson Electric The Johnson Electric Group is a global leader in electric motors, actuators, motion subsystems and related electro-mechanical components. It serves a broad range of industries including Automotive, Smart Metering, Medical Devices, Business Equipment, Home Automation, Ventilation, White Goods, Power Tools, Lawn & Garden Equipment, and Warehouse Automation. The Group is headquartered in Hong Kong and employs more than 30,000 individuals in over 20 countries worldwide. Johnson Electric Holdings Limited is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (Stock Code: 179). For more information, visit ********* This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those projected due to a variety of factors, including but not limited to technological challenges, market conditions, and regulatory developments. Johnson Electric
