What is OPDS format?

The Open Publication Distribution System (OPDS) is an application of the Atom Syndication Format intended to enable content creators and distributors to distribute digital books via a simple catalog format. This format is designed to work interchangeably across multiple desktop and device software programs.

This standard, also called OpenPub, supports ePUB as the primary reading format although additional formats are supported. It is based on an implementation by Lexcycle for the Stanza application.

The idea of this system is to provide a format that can be used by eBook readers or even a dedicated eBook reader devices with Internet access to be able to search, discover, and download eBooks from online eBook catalogs. The system requires an RSS style processor that works with the distribution system to display choices with descriptions for the user to download. It could also provide the ability to purchase eBooks or other files. Supporting this format would be sufficient for wireless capable devices that did not include a Web Browser or that wanted to standardize the user interface experience from multiple sites.