[odf-discuss] Gnome, Ecma, and what governments (and FOSS?) should have done

[Daniel Carrera]

Daniel Said:
> - So, the only issue that remains is increasing the chances that OOXML
> become an ISO standard. Jody has stated that he is not participating in
> the ISO conflict resolution process.

Alberto Said:
> Gnome is participating in the ISO process since the moment that Microsoft can 
> say (and is saying and marketing everywhere) that Gnome has participated in 
> the deverlopment of ECMA-376 (DIS 29500).

That Microsoft can lie about it is not to be blamed on Gnome. Jody/Gnome is *not* participating in the ISO ballot resolution process. Microsoft can lie, and Microsoft can insinuate in a way that makes people think that they are. But it is very unfair to take Microsoft's lie as truth and blaming Gnome.


> This is a strong argument to defeat 
> our arguments in ISO about that only MS-Office implements OOXML really.

That might be your strongest argument, but there are many more. OOXML is clearly designed after one product, it duplicates functionality of *many* existing ISO standards (not only ODF) and there is already an ISO standard that covers the entire functionality of OOXML.


> You will check soon that every marketing document from Microsoft at the ISO 
> members will say soon that GNOME backs OOXML because it supported the 
> creation of OOXML at ECMA.

A marketing problem indeed, and one that I have pointed out myself earlier. But let's not conflate that with the believe that Gnome or Jody is participating in the ISO ballot resolution process. Please don't confuse the issue by inserting things that are not true:

- No, Jody is *not* participating in the ballot resolution.
- Yes, Microsoft can lie and can manipulate facts in their marketing.

Keep those separate. We'll never get anywhere if you confuse these two.


> One thing is that ECMA committee is composed by Microsoft and its backers 
> (Intel, Apple, Novell, etc.)

I'll note that Intel sponsors the ODF test suite project, and Novell sponsors OOo development. The world is not divided into MS supporters and opponents.


> The name of Gnome in that group 
> helps a lot to Microsoft to get its ISO, since with it Microsoft can show to 
> all the national committees that indeed free software community is backing 
> OOXML,

The ISO decision will not be based on who is cheering for OOXML. This isn't a popularity contest. ISO has a set of technical rules that dictate what can be an ISO standard. Based on those rules the National Bodies made a list of conflicts. The future of OOXML as an ISO standard rests on the resolution of those conflicts. Not on how many people cheer for it.

> So Jody joining officially in the name of Gnome of course that is helping to 
> Microsoft to get its ISO.

Wrong. OOXML will become ISO if and only if (<=>) the NB comments are resolved. Those comments did not include "not enough competitors in the ECMA TC45".

Daniel.