[1][2] There are many ways organizations can release data to the public, i.e. electronic format, CD-ROM and paper publications such as PDF files based on aggregated data.
The most popular dissemination method today is the ‘non-proprietary’ open systems using internet protocols.
Under the Special Data Dissemination Standard, the formats are divided into two categories: "hardcopy" and "electronic" publications Some examples of Hardcopy publications: Some examples of electronic copy publications: Standards have been developed in order to provide an internationally accepted statistical methodology for the dissemination of statistical data.
[3] It is commonly used in national and international statistical and economic data sharing systems.
It is most popularly used for social statistics micro data but is not limited to this subject area.