Open Document Format Turns 20
The Open Document Format (ODF) has recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, marking two decades since it was approved as an XML-based standard, originally developed by Sun Microsystems. Despite its acclaim and adoption by various governments and organisations, Microsoft Office formats still dominate the landscape.
Key Points
- ODF was approved as a standard on May 1, 2005, and is based on code from StarOffice.
- It has been adopted by governments in the UK, India, and Brazil, as well as by NATO.
- Microsoft countered with Office Open XML, which is also a standardised format.
- Proponents view ODF as a symbol of freedom, interoperability, and user protection from corporate strategies.
- The Document Foundation oversees LibreOffice, a popular free office suite born out of these developments.
Why should I read this?
If you care about the future of document formats and the fight for open standards, this article offers a concise look back at ODF’s journey. It’s a fun and informative read that highlights why open formats are essential in an era increasingly dominated by tech giants. Think of it as a little dose of tech history that gives you insight into the ongoing battle for digital freedom.