Are you developing a new application, integrating systems via APIs, or building a public-sector digital service? If so, you’ve likely asked which open standards to use.
While many open standards exist, identifying the right ones for your project can be time-consuming. To simplify the process, Forum Standaardisatie (the Netherlands Standardisation Forum) developed the Decision Tree for Open Standards, a step-by-step tool that helps IT professionals quickly identify the standards relevant to their work.
What is the decision tree?
The decision tree for open standards is an interactive guide that simplifies selecting the right standards for your project. It asks you to specify key details, such as:
- The type of organisation (e.g. public, semi-public or private sector).
- The communication channels and data types involved.
- Security and privacy requirements.
Based on your answers, the tool generates targeted questions to refine your selection, such as: ‘Is this for a website or web application?’ and ‘Does it need to notify other organisations about key events?’
Once complete, you’ll receive a personalised overview of relevant open standards for your project, along with additional details for each. You can also email your results to save them for future reference.
Note: The tool is currently available only in Dutch. However, its structured approach makes it useful for international IT professionals working in the Netherlands or with Dutch organisations.
Get started
Try the decision tree on the Forum Standaardisatie website (Dutch). For more insights and practical examples, read the full article on developer.overheid.nl (Dutch).
