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In this age of information and communications technology, many governments are moving towards open standards frameworks.

Open standards ensure that products and services can inter-operate and work together, even though they may be from different parties or entities. Open standards ensure that the next purchase is not dictated by the last purchase, thus, increasing users’ choices, access to products, information and services, and opportunities for sharing and collaboration.

In addition to the advantage of increased competition for acquisition and the ongoing operational expense, governments, businesses and other entities can benefit from each others' efforts and share applications that each have built.

This e-primer, with a foreword by Peter J. Quinn, introduces readers to what open standards are and why they are important. It explains the standard-setting processes and provides examples of open standards policies, initiatives and formats. It also addresses the challenges faced in implementing open standards.

This publication is part of the Free/Open Source Software (FOSS) e-Primer Series produced by the International Open Source Network (IOSN). IOSN is an initiative of the UNDP Asia-Pacific Development Information Programme and supported by the International Development Research Centre of Canada.

Upcoming title are focused on licensing, and network security and infrastructure.

Related Links

Other resources on FOSS and Open Standards

Policy Dialogue on Open Standards, Bangkok, Thailand, 2 and 4 May 2006

Regional Conference on Open Standards, Bangkok, Thailand, 2-4 May 2006

Roadmap for Open ICT Ecosystems

IOSN Joins OpenDocument Alliance

FOSS e-Primer Series

FOSS: A General Introduction

FOSS: Education

FOSS: Government and Policy

FOSS: Localization

All APDIP e-Resources

The International Open Source Network (IOSN)

The International Development Research Centre (IDRC)