The ODS file format was developed by The Organization for Advancement of Structured Information Standards (OASIS). As a global consortium, OASIS drives the creation, convergence, integration and deployment of universal web services and e-business standards.

ODS files are XML-based spreadsheets used by various Office Suites. Data is stored within cells that are organized into columns and rows. Besides text, ODS files can also include charts, pivot tables and various simple graphical elements like geometrical shapes and clipart. ODS files also offer support for simple mathematical calculations through macro programming.