As more and more apps are built, it is important to realize the value, benefits and market need for Open Standards in the application development process. So, here are five reasons open standards are essential to app development:
1. No boundaries, fewer limitations. With open standards, application developers are not locked in to a specific technology or vendor. The market decides which technologies are the most viable. Because specifications are known and open, multiple vendors will be able to design unique apps that adhere to standards. This streamlines development while allowing for freedom of choice and market-driven competition.
2. Streamlined development & interoperability. Open standards establish protocols and building blocks that can help make applications more functional and interoperable. This not only streamlines product development, it removes vendor-imposed boundaries to read or write data files by improving data exchange and interchange.
3. Better protection for files created on applications that implement open standards. When file types are proprietary and an application becomes obsolete, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to convert the data so it can be used on a new application. However, with open standards, file types and data are protected against applications becoming obsolete. If a file type follows open standard, then the new application will either be able to use it or easily convert the data.
4. More choices and variety. Would you prefer being allowed to to pick and choose the dishes that most appeal to your appetite, rather than being forced to choose from a limited list of entrees? Well, open standards essentially offer up an application developer’s buffet. This method of development helps developers match their needs to vendors without forcing the developer to lock in to the use of a single vendor for application development.
5. Applications are easier to port from one platform to another. Because the technical implementation follows standardized rules and guidelines, and the interfaces and APIs used are known, it’s easier to port applications from one platform to another. Further, the lessons learned from development on one platform can be ported to inform other platform development with less training. In contrast, proprietary applications typically require ramp-in, training and more knowledge transfer, because there is inadequate information publically available about them.
Perhaps you can think of more reasons open standards are the perfect match for application developers.