Cyber-security is doubly important to the chemical industry. The first level of importance is very basic - chemicals are the lifeblood of the world economy. Increasingly, the industry depends on its computers to optimize its plant operations, track its freight, and manage its recipes. Any disruption of these vital activities could seriously jeopardize its ability to operate, rippling through the world economy like so many falling dominos.

Secondly, much of the information stored in the industry's computers could be useful to terrorists - consider, for just one example, what they could do with detailed knowledge of the precise location of hazardous materials in transit.

So cyber-security is vital. Creation of the Chemicals Sector Cyber-Security Information Sharing Forum itself was an important first step. It helped to raise the profile of the issue within the industry and committed some of the industry's leading companies to addressing it. But the forum lacked the structure and agility needed to establish best practices and drive the industry toward them - the very capabilities at which CIDX excels.

With amazing alacrity, CIDX not only developed an impressive body of XML standards - it also succeeded in getting virtually everyone in the chemical industry to use them and contribute to making them better. And for an all-volunteer group, it has demonstrated an amazing ability to stay focused, set goals and deliver against them on extremely aggressive schedules.

As CIDX takes on more responsibilities and broadens its focus, however, its ability to continue delivering in a timely manner depends on its volunteers. The same small, core group that is driving the XML standards and related business practices cannot be expected to shoulder the full burden of the cyber-security standards as well. Unless more members become more fully involved - or new members step up to join them - it is difficult to imagine that both initiatives can move forward on the same aggressive timetable that has marked the course of the XML standards.

Cyber-security is an issue of vital importance to the chemical industry, and it is lucky to have an organization of CIDX's caliber to drive the standard-setting effort. Now is the time for the entire global industry to get behind that effort, lending their time, their expertise and any needed funds to the organization's good work. As any of the current members will tell you, what you will take away in terms of practical learnings, tools and techniques will far exceed the value of your individual company's contribution. CIDX is one investment that pays consistent dividends. Don't pass it up. Visit www.cidx.org for more information or to register for the cyber-security kickoff meeting February 4-5 in Baltimore, Maryland.