Google welcomes ISO decision on OOXML
,----[ Quote ]
| Google welcomes the ISO decision to not approve the fast track of Office
| Open XML (OOXML) proposed standard DIS 29500 (ECMA 376).
|
| Our engineers conducted an independent analysis of the OOXML specification
| and found several areas of concern, which we communicated both to the ISO and
| to the public. These include and are not limited to the following:
|
| * for a specification of this size it was not given enough time for
| review;
| * the undocumented features of OOXML prevents its implementation by other
| vendors;
| * dependencies on other Microsoft proprietary formats and their technical
| defects makes it difficult to fully implement; and
| * the overall cost for vendors of implementing multiple standards (hence
| the lack of OOXML implementations in the marketplace).
|
| It is also incompatible with the existing ISO standard ISO 26300:2006, the
| Open Document Format (ODF), which already offers a high degree of
| interoperability, wide support, and offers the level playing field the world
| needs. Google is a supporter of ODF and has successfully integrated this open
| format into Google Docs and Spreadsheets. ODF also enjoys implementation in
| over twelve other products.
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http://google-code-updates.blogspot.com/2007/09/google-welcomes-iso-decision-on-ooxml.html
Related:
Patent threat looms large over OOXML
,----[ Quote ]
| "If OOXML goes through as an ISO standard, the IT industry, government and
| business will encumbered with a 6000-page specification peppered with
| potential patent liabilities" said NZOSS President Don Christie.
|
| "Patent threats have already been used to spread doubt amongst organisations
| keen to take advantage of the benefits of open source. No one knows whether
| such claims have any merit, but it is calculated to deter the development and
| use of open and alternative toolsets."
`----
http://nzoss.org.nz/node/179
|
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