OpenMedia Specification Suite
What is OpenMedia?
OpenMedia is the perspective and methodology for the specification landscape within which our programmatic standards live. It is the new common framework for Tech Lab technical specifications and protocols (OpenRTB, OpenDirect, etc.).The approach is both conceptual (improving understanding of the specification landscape) and pragmatic (functioning as a tool to indicate where new standards will be most effective). OpenMedia describes a layered approach (similar to Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) network model) to organizing transactional specifications and domain specifications – or simply; a layer for how to transact, and a layer to describe what is transacted.
An intensive working group process and industry review has produced final specifications in Q4 2018, now ready for widespread adoption.
Please reach out to support@iabtechlab.com with feedback or questions.
Read the blog post announcement for final AdCOM 1.0
More info about OpenRTB 3.0
Read below for more info on OpenMedia specifications
OpenMedia Specifications
| Specification | Description | Status | Where to find this specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| OpenRTB 3.0 | Real-time bidding transactional specification for programmatic media buying and selling, includes ads.cert | Released Q4 2018 | OpenRTB 3.0 |
| AdCOM 1.0 | Advertising Common Object Model defines the media to be transacted, to be used with a transactional specification like OpenRTB 3.0 Beta or Ad Management API | Released Q4 2018 | AdCOM 1.0 |
| Ad Management API 1.0 | Creative approval specification, to be used with AdCOM | Released Q4 2018 | Ad Management API 1.0 |
What is OpenMedia?
OpenMedia is the perspective and methodology for the specification landscape within which our programmatic standards live. It is the new common framework for Tech Lab technical specifications and protocols (OpenRTB, OpenDirect, etc.).The approach is both conceptual (improving understanding of the specification landscape) and pragmatic (functioning as a tool to indicate where new standards will be most effective). OpenMedia describes a layered approach (similar to Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) network model) to organizing transactional specifications and domain specifications – or simply; a layer for how to transact, and a layer to describe what is transacted.
What are all these specifications?
The names of specifications in the Transaction Layer 3 and Domain Layer 4 all refer to standards operated by IAB Tech Lab.
- OpenRTB is the transactional protocol for real time bidding.
- OpenDirect is the transactional protocol and order management API standard for automated guaranteed buying and selling.
- Ad-COM is the Advertising Common Object Model that describes the media objects that are bought and sold across any transactional protocol. The Common Object Model for Ads describes the ad, the creative, and the media channels that are traded over OpenRTB transactions. Deconstructing the domain layer object model can give publishers control over the creative to be served on their page.
- Ad Management API Specification provides a standardized way for buyers and sellers to communicate in an automated creative approval process.
Why does OpenMedia matter?
By using OpenMedia as the baseline for all programmatic standards, we will unify object models (saving bandwidth costs for technology partners), create functionality between transactional specifications (unlocking sales opportunities to be built between RTB pipes and automated guaranteed pipes), and allow for rapid scalability of inclusion of new media objects (like broadcast video, etc).
How Does the OpenMedia impact OpenRTB and OpenDirect?
OpenMedia is an umbrella concept for OpenRTB and OpenDirect. OpenRTB and OpenDirect are currently going through development towards their next iterations. Programmatic standards now have a system to coordinate development, and each programmatic standard will continue to have its own working group within Tech Lab.
How Does OpenMedia impact Tech Lab working groups?
OpenMedia framework will be used to determine where new standards will be most effective without duplicating efforts. Typically, most working groups meet bi-weekly to update specifications. IAB Tech Lab members are invited to join working groups. Standards and specifications will always go through public review periods to get additional industry feedback.
We are pleased to announce this change that enables IAB Tech Lab and its working groups to develop consistent standards and work together more effectively. For any questions about IAB Tech Lab’s OpenMedia Specification Landscape or any of the working groups within IAB Tech Lab, please reach out to support@iabtechlab.com
Resources
IAB Tech Lab/IAB UK: OpenRTB 3.0 Webinar (09.17.2018 Webinar Recording)
