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What is a key characteristic of open protocols?

  1. They are owned by specific companies.

  2. They are standardized and not proprietary.

  3. They are adjusted frequently for commercial gain.

  4. They require subscription fees for use.

The correct answer is: They are standardized and not proprietary.

Open protocols are primarily known for being standardized and not proprietary. This means that they are developed through collaborative processes and are made publicly available for anyone to use and implement without the need for special permissions or fees. The key characteristic lies in their openness, which encourages interoperability among different systems and devices, facilitating easier communication and data exchange. A significant benefit of having standardized protocols is that they promote innovation and competition by allowing multiple vendors to create products that can work together seamlessly. This openness contrasts with proprietary protocols, which are controlled by specific organizations or companies, often limiting their access and use to a select group. By functioning under an open standard, these protocols empower a wider range of developers, users, and organizations.