According the Data.gov:
"The purpose of Data.gov is to increase public access to high value, machine readable datasets generated by the Executive Branch of the Federal Government. Although the initial launch of Data.gov provides a limited portion of the rich variety of Federal datasets presently available, we invite you to actively participate in shaping the future of Data.gov by suggesting additional datasets and site enhancements to provide seamless access and use of your Federal data. Visit today with us, but come back often. With your help, Data.gov will continue to grow and change in the weeks, months, and years ahead.
As a priority Open Government Initiative for President Obama's administration, Data.gov increases the ability of the public to easily find, download, and use datasets that are generated and held by the Federal Government. Data.gov provides descriptions of the Federal datasets (metadata), information about how to access the datasets, and tools that leverage government datasets. The data catalogs will continue to grow as datasets are added. Federal, Executive Branch data are included in the first version of Data.gov.
A primary goal of Data.gov is to improve access to Federal data and expand creative use of those data beyond the walls of government by encouraging innovative ideas."
You can access data in the Data.gov in two ways: through the "raw" data catalog and using tools. When you access using tools, you need to agree with the Data Policy. You can also suggest more datasets and the site has a tutorial for more information on how to use. The site permits access using XML, RSS or Atom feeds, and also download data to Excel spreadsheet formats. The govern encourages the feedback, comments, and recommendations.
The Data.gov is an important step to the Open Government Initiative of President Obama's administration.
