Is One Standard Always Better than Two?

Andy Updegrove writes “Alan Yates told those in the Massachusetts State House that two standards are better than one. I’ve been one of the most vocal and quoted proponents of the OpenDocument format, but there’s more to this question than meets the eye. While we all would have been better if Microsoft had joined the OASIS ODF TC way back when, a competition between two standards can drive innovation and progress – such as faster and better development of accessibility standards for those with disabilities. Before you make up your mind on a question like this, stop to consider what type of standard we’re talking about, what’s the strategic lay of the land, and the prospects for future convergence.”