The Transaction Processing Performance Council (TPC) is a non-profit organization that establishes transaction processing and database benchmarks. It verifies existing benchmarks, creates new benchmarks through a review process, and resolves disputes over benchmark results. Membership in TPC allows organizations to influence benchmark direction, vote on issues, and ensure benchmarks are updated appropriately. TPC benchmarks have been established since the 1980s and are open for any organization to implement, though benchmark results must be thoroughly documented and audited to ensure accurate and fair testing.