Using standards in your software system helps to create an evolutionary architecture. When making technology choices and design decisions, leveraging standards can make it easier to adapt the software system over time. Using a standard, such as a programming language, framework, third-party library, communication protocol, database, data interchange format, development tool, or some other design choice, can increase maintainability and allow your system to evolve more easily.
The use of standards generally makes integration with other systems easier to accomplish. In addition, finding resources to work on your software system who are familiar with the technologies that you have selected, not just during the initial development but during a potentially long maintenance life will be easier.
When faced with different alternatives, electing to use a standard approach may not always be the best choice. However, it is one factor that a software architect should consider given the possible benefits.