Washington, DC – The OpenDocument Format Alliance (ODF Alliance) has hailed New York for becoming the second state, along with Minnesota, to enact legislation requiring study of electronic document formats.

“In calling for a study of electronic document formats, New York has recognized the critical importance of continued access to their valuable records,” said Marino Marcich, ODF Alliance [1] Managing Director. “The pending studies in New York and Minnesota will reveal the true value of ODF for maximizing access, control and interoperability of government documents and information. With the world’s 11th largest economy, New York understands how important electronic document access is for maintaining their position as a leader in the domestic and global marketplaces.”

In the last week, New York Governor Eliot Spitzer signed legislation calling for an evaluation of electronic document formats that ensure government control, access, choice, interoperability and vendor neutrality. This follows enactment of similar legislation in Minnesota in May 2007.

In response to enactment of the New York law, Minnesota State Representative Paul Thissen remarked “government will be affected, for good or bad, by the fundamental transformation of how information is communicated, protected and preserved. But government is also slow to embrace change. I am so pleased New York has joined Minnesota in building momentum toward a future of open, secure and accessible public records.”

“As documents and services are transformed from paper to electronic form, there is a very real concern that governments, citizens and businesses may not be able to access, retrieve and preserve critical documents in the future,” said Marcich. “This concern has led seven state legislatures to take up the issue this year. New York and Minnesota have now passed legislation and taken important first steps in moving toward ODF as a means to ensuring continued access and control of electronic documents and information.”