The US Department of Defence and other users are mandating improved implementation of open standards and interoperability.

VPX specifications have been focused at the board level, but there is also a need for considering system-level requirements to improve interoperability and reduce customization, testing, cost, and risk. The OpenVPX Systems Specification defines an architecture framework that manages and constrains module and backplane designs, including defining pin outs, and sets interoperability points within VPX while maintaining full compliance with VPX.