ISO calls for OOXML calm

 

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By Barry Collins

Posted on 14 Apr 2008 at 15:10

The International Standardisation Organisation (ISO) has published an open letter calling for an end to personal attacks over the OOXML format.

The letter, signed by 30 members of the SC 34 committee in charge of document standards, is an attempt to pour cold water on the often heated exchanges that have occurred before and after OOXML was approved as an ISO standard.

"We the undersigned participants at this SC 34 meeting wish to make it clear that we deplore the personal attacks that have been made during the DIS 29500 standardisation project in recent months," the letter reads.

"We believe standards debate should always be carried out with respect for all parties, even when they strongly disagree.

"We call on all organisations and individuals involved in SC 34 standardisation to support this view, and to refrain from initiating or engaging in any such personal attacks."

Speaking at a Microsoft event in February, Ovum analyst David Mitchell compared the OOXML voting process to a riot. "People have been trying to track down what hotels people have been staying at for the BRMs [Ballot Resolution Meetings]. Many voting decisions are not taken until the day. If you've had no sleep on the night before a vote [because of noisy protests], you might change your voting behaviour," he said.

A meeting held last week in Norway was also affected by protestors who want OOXML dropped from the ISO standards process.