- Data Formats > Open Standards

Explains the risks of exchanging data in non-public format and suggests the main alternatives.

Short document with instructions to MS-Word users on alternatives they can use for document exchange.

Without standards, every job is a one-off, and vendor lock-in is assured after the first project. Open standards are the beating heart of e-Business, without which concepts like intranets and business-to-business commerce would not be practical on a mass

Campaign for replacing the (formerly) patent-encumbered GIF format by open standard graphics. Since the GIF formats has become patent-free, the site advocates against software patents.

Paper investigating economical issues related to the diffusion of public standards. (May 9, 2002)

Article on formats interoperability in audio and video content.

Investigates the effects of patent proliferation and criticizes reasonable and non-discriminatory license terms (RAND) for patented technologies.

Argues in favor of using HTML instead of proprietary word formats.

Argues in favor of patent-free standards and suggests recommended formats for different kinds of content.

Explains the appropriate use of document formats and argues against the use of Word attachments.