The British Standards Institution (BSI) has released a new set of guidelines for web site managers which it claims can improve the impact of organisations' online presence.

The new web site standards, labelled Publically Available Specification (PAS 124) will ensure that the millions enterprises pour into their online presence do not go to waste, the BSI claimed.

“Our experience shows that businesses are actually reducing the impact and value of their web presence, despite the millions invested each year, because they are not implementing website standards successfully,” said Simon Lande, chief executive of web compliance company Magus, who worked with the BSI to develop PAS 124.

PAS 124 combines legal and accessibility standards with best practice advise on how to deliver brand and editorial standards that are in line with organisations' core values.

Organisations that adhere to PAS 124 will be deliver a consistent presentation of their brands online, comply with legislative requirements around accessibility, improve the quality of their web sites and reduce maintenance costs, said the BSI.