OData (Open Data Protocol) is a standardized protocol for creating and consuming RESTful APIs. It provides a way to define the structure and content of data that is exchanged between client and server, and enables the creation of RESTful APIs that can be used by various client types, including web, mobile, and desktop.

Basics of OData for developers includes understanding the OData Protocol structure, OData data model and metadata, OData URI conventions, and OData query options.

To start with OData Services, a developer needs to define an OData service using an OData model and create an OData service endpoint in their development environment. The OData service can then be consumed by clients using RESTful API calls.

OData services are important as they provide a standard way for data to be exchanged between client and server, making it easier for different systems and applications to communicate with each other. This leads to increased efficiency and streamlined processes in organizations that use OData services.