Are you using OData? If so, you’ll be happy to know that OData Version 4.0 and OData JSON Format Version 4.0 have now been standardized by OASIS (Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards).
The nice thing about standardization is that it provides a level of stability to a technology. With companies like Microsoft, Citrix, IBM, Red Hat, and SAP behind the push for standardization, you can expect a good outlook for OData beyond just Microsoft.
OData is a protocol that was created to provide the ability to manipulate data via a website in much the same way that JDBC and ODBC are used. Built upon the AtomPub and JSON, the protocol provides features such as allowing for working with typed and untyped values. It provides a defined way to Create, Read, Update, and Delete (CRUD). Ultimately, OData provides the means for consuming data on the web.
While Microsoft initially defined the Open Data Protocol (OData), they have once again handed their work over to the standards bodies to help solidify the standard and to allow the industry more control on its future.
(Yes, I said Ode to OData and I’ve not written any sort of poem. Rather, I’ve left that for you to do. Feel free to post your best OData poem in the comments.)