ODF editor backing OOXML

 

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Posted on 26 Mar 2008 at 11:21

The OpenDocument format will suffer if Microsoft loses its appeal to get OOXML ratified as an ISO standard, claims the editor of the open-source format, Patrick Durusau.

"As the editor of OpenDocument, I want to promote OpenDocument, extol its features, urge the widest use of it as possible, none of which is accomplished by the anti-OpenXML position in ISO. Passage of OpenXML in ISO is going to benefit OpenDocument as much as anyone else," says Durusau in an open letter.

Without ratification it is likely that information on legacy Microsoft features will not be made available to open-source developers, which could delay the emergence of OpenDocument support for them, he claims.

Another problem is that OpenDocument currently lacks a definition for formulae in spreadsheets, although they are expected to emerge in version 1.2 of the format. However, without a formal OOXML definition in an ISO standard it is possible that the two formats could reach different definitions of functions, complicating the office software market.

"The bottom line is that OpenDocument, among others, will lose if OpenXML loses," warns Durusau.

The 87 national standards bodies who previously voted against OOXML becoming an ISO standard now have an extended period in which to adjust their vote.

The deadline is 29 March, and early reports suggest that Microsoft will once again be unsuccessful in gaining support for its OOXML format. The letter is well timed to promote a swing in Microsoft's favour, although there is still an active campaign against the format to contend with.

Critics of OOXML claim that the format is proprietary and will not be open enough for third party developers to work with, despite the company's recent promise to open-up. Red Hat has recently urged ISO members to vote against the format, pledging its support instead to ODF.

Author: Matthew Sparkes