[odf-discuss] Ecma Approves Office Open XML

[Lars D. Noodén]

On Sat, 9 Dec 2006, Alex Hudson wrote:
> Well, the control is a separate issue - they only have control until
> it's ratified by ISO, that's the problem.

Not necessarily, I can't picture the MOOX format staying as is especially 
given the rush to slap it together, get it out the door and rubberstamped 
by Ecma.  So the ongoing development process will still be under control 
of a closed system.  That and there will probably many, many 'extensions'.

Then in the US, you have the metric ass-load of sw patents including basic 
computer science methods like serialization.  MS still hasn't come clean 
about allowing use of them.  Anyone known to be using MOOX will be known 
to be treading on those sw patents and in the US that can be used as a 
legal threat to control useage and/or implementation.

Even outside the US, large corporate interests have been pretty good 
about ignoring local law and enforcing US law where it is to their 
advantantage.  See the first round against 'DVD Jon' and current 
action againstAallofmp3 as examples, though the former is better.  At the 
time the EUCD wan't even in effect nor is Norway an EU member state.

-Lars
Lars Noodén
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