OData
The Open Data Protocol (OData) is a web protocol that enables the querying and updating of the data in a framework-agnostic manner. OData has been built by combining a number of existing web technologies together (HTTP, AtomPub and JSON), which allows any technology framework to consume or to produce OData services. As it is built on top of the existing web standards, it allows for a greater level of interoperability with existing frameworks.
Microsoft created Odata as a way to allow greater sharing of data between applications and systems. As a result, there are a number of implementations of it online (eBay, Netflix, and Twitpic), in server applications (SharePoint, SSRS, WCF services), and client application frameworks (iPhone apps, Windows Phone 7, and Silverlight applications).
More information about OData can be found at the main website:
Value for the enterprise
OData can simplify the creation and sharing of data between the applications within an enterprise...