Web 2.0 - Definition of Open Standards

Open Standards generally have the following characteristics:

·      They are not controlled by one private entity, and they can’t be changed at the will of any one entity without an input process that facilitates consideration of the points of view and input of others.

·      They’re developed by organisations that are operating with an open and transparent process, allowing stakeholdes to have a say in their development.

·      They’re not encumbered by any patents or other intellectual property claims that result in unfair distribution of the ability to implement them, whether for commercial or non commercial purposes.

·      They’re designed to benefit the whole community of users rather than one specific subset of users for financial or other gains.

Governor, J., Hinchcliffe, D., Nickull, D. Web 2.0 Architectures, 2009. O'Reilly, Sebastopol CA