The technology business may employ more brainy people on a per capita basis than any industry in the world. But when it comes to agreeing on technical standards, the behavior of some of these very bright people more resembles the plot in "Dumb and Dumber." An outsider looking in would easily assume that, with all this intellectual firepower, these folks would understand their best interests and would be able to decide how to proceed without a major struggle. What could be simpler? All for one, one for all--and all that jazz. But when it comes to figuring out the best way to get from A to Z, bruising (and pointless) Silicon Valley clashes over standards are the norm rather than the exception.
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