[odf-discuss] Ecma Approves Office Open XML

[marbux]

On 12/9/06, Thomas Zander <zander at kde.org> wrote:
> Playing devils advocate;
> ODF does not have any way to encode formulas in spreadsheets, hence it does
> not work for a large percentage of the MSOffice userbase.
> That userbase will 'never' be able to switch to ODF as is, and therefor we
> need something for those users.
> END devils advocate.
>
> I'm not sure how technical these ISO people are; but the point that MOOX is
> very feature complete (its a mess, but it is feature complete) and ODF is not
> yet, may just be enough.
>
> In other words; lets assume the worst and get working on all strategies
> possible.

Sorry for the delay in responding. I've been busy.

Here is the relevant law:

2.2      Members shall ensure that technical regulations are not
prepared, adopted or applied with a view to or with the effect of
creating unnecessary obstacles to international trade. For this
purpose, technical regulations shall not be more trade-restrictive
than necessary to fulfil a legitimate objective, taking account of the
risks non-fulfilment would create. Such legitimate objectives are,
inter alia:  national security requirements; the prevention of
deceptive practices; protection of human health or safety, animal or
plant life or health, or the environment. In assessing such risks,
relevant elements of consideration are, inter alia: available
scientific and technical information, related processing technology or
intended end-uses of products.

2.3      Technical regulations shall not be maintained if the
circumstances or objectives giving rise to their adoption no longer
exist or if the changed circumstances or objectives can be addressed
in a less trade-restrictive manner.

<http://www.wto.org/english/res_e/booksp_e/analytic_index_e/tbt_01_e.htm#article2>.

On the set of facts you postulate, I can see arguments both for and
against EOOXML. But what I think is probably dispositive is that a
need for a single feature does not justify having a standard separate
from ODF for features that are supported by ODF. So the countering
argument would be, "fine, let's create a standard for encoding
formulas in spreadsheets; but don't try to piggyback the whole of the
EOOXML specification onto that limited market requirement." Otherwise,
every time someone creates a new, e.g., spreadsheet feature, there is
a justification for an entirely new unique spreadsheet XML format.

Viewing the requirement of encoding spreadsheet formulas as a "changed
circumstance[]] or objective[]," section 2.3 counsels that the least
"trade-restrictive manner" should be employed to fulfill the
requirement, which I would argue is to refine the ODF standard rather
than replacing it entirely. And here I think the fact that Microsoft
is not bothering to participate in the ODF Formulas TC subcommittee
work speaks volumes.

Best regards,

Marbux