Alternatives. An alternative technology is one that could be used for the same purposes as the technology being described. A technology is an alternative if there is any situation or purpose for which both technologies are viable or likely to be considered candidates. Alternatives may represent a simple choice among technologies that achieve the same solution to a problem, or they may represent completely different approaches to the problem being addressed by the technology.
For each alternative technology, this section provides a concise description of the situations for which it provides an alternative. Also provided are any special considerations that could help in selecting among alternatives. If the alternative technology appears in the document, a cross-reference is provided.
Alternative technologies are distinct from dependent or complementary technologies, which must be used in combination with the technology being described to achieve the given purpose.