Abstract
The latest trends in storage technology are higher capacities (higher linear and track densities) and smaller dimensions of the media. Consequently new magnetic media will have to be standardized. A summary covers the present state of standardization and new projects within ISO/TC 97/SC 11. To define the electromagnetic properties of the unrecorded media, reference materials are needed. The National Bureau of Standards (NBS) and the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) are concerned with the establishment and supply of reference materials for flexible magnetic media. A limitation of their availability as announced by the PTB may cause problems in the future. Other open questions dealt with are the following: Would conformance tests based on the existing ISO Standards be useful? Should future standards include minimum requirements for wear, lifetime etc? Can ISO Standards for magnetic media be used as procurement specifications?