The standards discussed in this paper cover only the physical and optical parameters and the low level format of optical disks for information interchange. There are further standards which cover volume and file structure, describing the logical format of the recorded information. The aim is to allow system designers to design suitable equipment for the users to use to exchange information. The standards specify the requirements but not how to achieve them. They are not procurement specifications and do not specify items like performance and reliability. It is up to the customer to negotiate such items with the supplier of the equipment.