What Is OpenDocument?

Posted by Vivek Gite [Last updated: August 6, 2006]

The OpenDocument Format (ODF), an open source file format standard for electronic office documents, is poised to change the world from an application-centric model of computing to a document-centric model. Sam Hiser looks at this new standard, how it implements XML for office documents, the technical and political wranglings in the standard, available tools, applications that offer ODF support, who's implementing ODF, and more.

FTA, "...The OpenDocument Format (ODF) is an emerging file format standard for electronic office documents. Representing a triumph of common sense over the methods conceived before the rise of the Internet, ODF's goals are both exciting and controversial. Early adopters of the format include state and municipal governments in some near- and far-flung places, and this makes the format's progress a thing to watch. Yet innovation theory tells us there are some hurdles we all must overcome before ODF becomes a regular topic of conversation at the ballpark. Those in the know, however, recognize that we're in about the second inning of a barn-burner. So, grab a hot dog and a beer, and settle in for a classic..."