[odf-discuss] [Fwd: How the OOXML votes will be counted, and why the new P members matter]

[Daniel Carrera]

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: How the OOXML votes will be counted, and why the new P members 
matter
Date: Fri, 31 Aug 2007 18:49:42 -0400
From: andrew.updegrove at gesmer.com
To: andrew.updegrove at gesmer.com

September 2 marks the end of the voting period for OOXML in ISO/IEC JTC1.
How the vote is determined is very technical, and involves a multi-test
formula that is quite complex.  It also awards far greater influence to P
(Participating) than O (Observer) members of ISO.  As I have reported this
week, there has been a sudden surge of ISO members upgrading their status
to Participating from Observer status, with the P membership rising from 30
to 41.  As no doubt intended, these additions will have a pronounced impact
on the outcome of the vote.

It is important to note that the process does not end once these votes are
counted, regardless of how the vote turns out.  The next step will once
again give more influence to a certain group - the members of SC 34.  The
membership in that subcommittee has also increased dramatically - more than
doubling since April.  As no doubt intended, these additions will have the
capability of having a pronounced impact on the outcome of any final vote.

In this blog entry, I explain in detail exactly how the votes will be
counted on OOXML after September 2, and how the determination will be made
as to the outcome of that vote.  I also explain the significance of P
membership, and why the composition of SC 34 will be influential on whether
OOXML succeeds or fails.  Using this information, you will be able to make
better sense of how the votes are cast, and what influence the recent
changes in membership will have had on the outcome.  I will post a detailed
analysis myself early next week, as soon as the vote tally is available.

Full details are here:
http://www.consortiuminfo.org/standardsblog/article.php?story=20070831151800414

As always, please let me know if you would like to be removed from this
distribution list.

Andrew Updegrove
Gesmer Updegrove LLP
40 Broad Street
Boston, MA  02109
v:  617/350-6800
f:  617/350-6878
http://www.gesmer.com
http://www.consortiuminfo.org
http://www.opensourcelegal.org



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