The Momentum of Open Standards – a Pragmatic Approach to Software Interoperability

Trond Arne Undheim, National Expert eGovernment, Oracle Corporation, and Jochen Friedrich, Progam Manager ICT Standardisation, IBM Europe

11/12/2008
(Original Publish Date: 10/1/2008)

Software is increasingly embedded in society. Fewer and fewer solutions are stand-alone, hence interoperability amongst software from different vendors is crucial to governments, industry and the third sector. However, our research shows that achieving wide implementation does not only depend on the openness of the process, but also on the willingness to negotiate and achieve a compromise. We document the momentum of open standards in all sectors of society as illustrated by government policies, procurement and business practices and impacts on efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery and business operations. Open standards achieve increasing momentum because standard setting actors companies, governments, and consumers are shifting from a dogmatic to a pragmatic perspective from adherence to strict principles, to commitment to a path towards openness.