The Open Document Management API is an
API
An application programming interface (API) is a way for two or more computer programs to communicate with each other. It is a type of software interface, offering a service to other pieces of software. A document or standard that describes how ...
that simplifies the communication of
desktop
A desktop traditionally refers to:
* The surface of a desk (often to distinguish office appliances that fit on a desk, such as photocopiers and printers, from larger equipment covering its own area on the floor)
Desktop may refer to various compu ...
applications with
document management systems (DMS). ODMA standardizes the access to the DMS, which makes getting to these files as easy as if the
file
File or filing may refer to:
Mechanical tools and processes
* File (tool), a tool used to ''remove'' fine amounts of material from a workpiece
**Filing (metalworking), a material removal process in manufacturing
** Nail file, a tool used to gent ...
s were in the actual local file system.
ODMA was an effort to standardize the API to be used by desktop applications on Microsoft Windows to interface with back-end, server based
document management systems
A document is a written, drawn, presented, or memorialized representation of thought, often the manifestation of non-fictional, as well as fictional, content. The word originates from the Latin ''Documentum'', which denotes a "teaching" or ...
(DMS). Version 1.0 of the API specification was completed in 1994, and went on to be supported by many of the major DMS vendors. Version 2.0 of the specification was completed in 1997.
ODMA has subsequently been superseded by other, more standard ways of interfacing, such as
WebDAV
WebDAV (Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning) is a set of extensions to the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), which allows user agents to collaboratively author contents ''directly'' in an HTTP web server by providing facilities for concu ...
or
CMIS
Content Management Interoperability Services (CMIS) is an open standard that allows different content management systems to inter-operate over the Internet. Specifically, CMIS defines an abstraction layer for controlling diverse document manag ...
.
See also
*
Enterprise content management
Enterprise content management (ECM) extends the concept of content management by adding a timeline for each content item and, possibly, enforcing processes for its creation, approval and distribution. Systems using ECM generally provide a secure ...
External links
ODMA Interoperability Exchange- ODMA Resources
Orcmid's Lair- ODMA: The Little Middleware That Could (Comments from current maintainer)
ODM Attributes
Document management systems
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