The Advantages of the OASIS OpenDocument Format Standard

The OASIS Open Document Format (ODF), standardised as ISO/IEC 26300, is an open, vendor-neutral format for text, spreadsheet and presentation documents. Its XML-based and fully documented structure ensures long-term accessibility, reliable archiving and future-proof access, independent of any single product or supplier. Developed through a transparent, consensus-driven process, ODF enables true interoperability across office suites, platforms and public administrations, reducing vendor lock-in and associated costs. At the same time, its rich feature set and flexible metadata model support accessibility, automation and sector-specific extensions without breaking compatibility, making it attractive for governments, enterprises and academia alike.
This presentation will highlight these advantages and illustrate real-world adoption. It will also show where the standard is heading — in particular new work on collaborative editing, stronger interoperability with web-based tools, and a growing ecosystem of compliant software and services.