You are here: silicon.com > Software > Applications

Applications

South Africa plumps for Open Documents

All about interoperability...

Tags: open source, ooxml, odf

By Tom Espiner

Published: 29 October 2007 08:30 GMT

The South African government is to adopt Open Document Format (ODF) as its preferred standard for software interoperability.

ODF is a file format used for office documents such as word processing, spreadsheets and presentations. It is an international standard recognised by the ISO (International Organization for Standardization), and a rival to Microsoft's Office Open XML (OOXML) specification.

In a report focused on interoperability, minister Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi wrote that ODF adoption would "ensure the enhancement of interoperability across government", adding: "To this end, this updated [report] contains an explicit definition of open standards as well as the inclusion of the ISO Open Document Format."

According to the South African government, some of the criteria for a standard to be considered open are that it should be maintained by a non-commercial organisation, that it must be possible for anyone to copy, distribute and use free of charge and that the intellectual rights required to implement the standard are irrevocably available without any royalties attached.

OOXML failed to achieve ISO certification in September.

Tom Espiner writes for ZDNet UK

  1. Zones
  2. Management
  3. Networks
  4. Software
  5. IT Services
  6. Hardware
  1. Verticals
  2. Public Sector
  3. Financial Services
  4. Retail & Leisure

Clive Longbottom Windows 7: Not perfect - but ready for prime time Microsoft's latest OS fixes most of Vista's ills - but still has challenges ahead

Stephen Kleynhans Mind the details with Windows 7 Just because it might work better than Vista, it doesn't mean you can be sloppy


  • Jobs
SAP XI/PI Integration Lead Architect

Architecture for strategic roadmaps Responsible for the 1-2+ year strategic plan for the SAP PI/XI Integration Services Responsible for influencing ...

Airport IT Software Systems Assurance / Projects Applications Engineer

This will include involvement in all of the project life-cycle elements, including definition of requirements, monitoring and review of development ...

Senior RF and VSAT Engineer

Cisco certification Preparing and maintaining relevant interface control documents ? Mission: A senior RF and VSAT Engineer is required to support ...

Agenda Setters 2009
Welcome to the ninth annual Agenda Setters poll – silicon.com's list of the top 50 most influential individuals in the technology and IT industries, from techies and CIOs to entrepreneurs and business leaders. Find out more in our latest special report.





Quick Sitemap Links: