Standard recommendations are categorized as follows:
1. Technical Standard - KDE provides technical specification recommendations that are not tied to a product. Spec can aid in product selection or as a guideline for system design. Standard documentation specifies whether it is considered voluntary or required. There can also be provisions for grandfathering in existing systems if appropriate.
2. Product Standard - KDE contract driven for a specific solution. Product selection may have more than one solution but is limited to items on contract.
3. Guidelines – Fall into two categories
a. Operational Guidance on how to most effectively utilize existing Product Standard
b. Technical Guidance may be required where a 3rd party product has been purchased and lays on top of a Product Standard (i.e.: Exchange 2006, Proxy 2.0)