Abstract

The paper proposes some comments and reflections on the notion of “openness” and on how it relates to three important topics: open standards, open formats, and open source. Often, these terms are considered equivalent and/or mutually implicated: “open source is the only way to enforce and exploit open standards”. This position is misleading, as it increases the confusion about this complex and extremely critical topic.

The paper clarifies the basic terms and concepts. This is instrumental to suggest a number of actions and practices aiming at promoting and defending openness in modern ICT products and services.

Keywords: Open source; Open standard; Open format; Software development process; Software procurement; Interoperability

Article Outline

1. A critical problem

2. What do we mean by “open”?

2.1. Summing up

3. Standards and levels of openness

3.1. Summing up

4. Open source and open standards

5. Openness and the protection of customers’ rights

6. Some concrete proposals

6.1. The protection of customers’ rights

6.2. Interoperability and open standards

6.3. Open formats and open access to data

6.4. Dissemination of results

6.5. Public procurement practices

7. Conclusions

References