Single photon counting, based on single photon sources anddetectors, is a key ingredient for certain applications aiming atnew quantum information technologies. Quantum cryptography, quantumradiometry, distributed quantum computing, as well as adjacenttechnologies such as biomedical and astronomical imaging, and lowpower classical communication also rely on single-photon technology.This paper reviews the present status of single photon sources andrelated counting measurement techniques, based on correlated (orheralded) photons in parametric down-conversion, and their possibleimpact on the above mentioned technologies, as well as an assessmentfor photon standards in the future.