ozmanjusri's Journal: Norway Mandates ODF

In another step towards universal free and open electronic documents, the Norwegian government has mandated the use of open document formats from January 1st, 2009.

Three formats have been chosen for all documentation between authorities and users/partners:

• HTML for all public information on the Web.
• PDF for all documents where layout needs to be preserved.
• ODF for all documents that the recipient is supposed to be able to edit

While government offices may publish in other formats, they must always also publish in one of these formats, so information will be available to people who do not wish, or cannot afford to use expensive proprietary software.