[odf-discuss] Ecma Approves Office Open XML

[marbux]

On 12/8/06, Christian Einfeldt <einfeldt at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> On 12/8/06, Pete Harlow <peter.harlow at gmail.com> wrote:
> > Ecma International Approves Office Open XML as Worldwide Industry
> Standard.
> >
> >
> http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/12-07-2006/0004487682&EDATE=
> >
>
> Will someone please give me a reason to be hopeful and not blow my brains
> out over this news?  I'm being facetious, of course, but geez, I just didn't
> need bad news like this.

This isn't bad news. In fact it isn't news at all. Totally expected.
But approach it as a lawyer. This is only Exhibit 1 to Microsoft's
Motion for ISO to Certify EOOXML As an International Standard, filed
ahead of the motion, which will be pro forma.

Now Microsoft is nailed into a position by its evidence. A lot of
people have been preparing for this moment. There are going to be more
than a few revelations being made in the coming days (he said,
mysteriously).

The controlling law is linked in footnote 1 on this page.
<http://www.opendocumentfellowship.org/development/why#note1>. ISO
voting delegates are bound by it. EOOXML is non-interoperable. Without
interoperability there is no substitutability of software. EOOXML is
an "unnecessary obstacle[] to international trade."

Focus on that phrase over the coming days and thou shalt see the Light. :-)

Best regards,

Marbux