ISO stands for International Standards Organisation which is based in Geneva, Switzerland.

The short form "ISO" is not an acronym, but instead is derived from the Greek "isos", meaning "equal" (implying "standard"). ISO was founded in 1947. It promotes the international harmonisation and development of manufacturing, product and communications standards.

ISO has laid down more than 8000 standards ranging from paper sizes to film speeds. More than 120 countries are full ISO voting members, while several other countries serve as observer members. ISO produces internationally harmonised standards through various Technical Committees.