[odf-discuss] [Fwd: Microsoft Fails to Gain Approval for OOXML]

[Daniel Carrera]

WHOO HOOO!!!

Great news. I'm glad I got to see this before leaving for Canada.

Cheers,
Daniel.


-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Microsoft Fails to Gain Approval for OOXML
Date: Tue, 4 Sep 2007 09:07:35 -0400
From: andrew.updegrove at gesmer.com
To: andrew.updegrove at gesmer.com

Microsoft's bid to gain approval for its OOXML specification in the first
round of global voting has failed.  I now have official confirmation of
that fact, and expect to have final numbers soon, which I will post at my
blog upon receipt.

Microsoft issued a press release on the vote earlier today, putting the
best spin it can on the results.  The release is titled "Strong Global
Support for Open XML as It Enters Final Phase of ISO Standards Process."
The release avoids mention of the specific result, and instead focuses on
the degree of participation (51 National Bodies), and level of "support"
(74% of all qualified votes, without differentiating between P and O
countries) at what it calls "this preliminary stage of the process," and
compares it "favorably" to the number of countries participating in the
votes to consider ODF and PDF, but without mentioning the far higher
percentage level of support for ODF.

The drama will now switch to the long run up to the February 25 - 29 Ballot
Resolution Meeting, and to how much Microsoft will be willing to change in
OOXML in order to convert a sufficient number of no votes to yes votes, in
order to finally gain approval, if it can, for its beleaguered
specification.

I projected the vote failure last night in this blog entry, and offered
some observations on its significance:
http://www.consortiuminfo.org/standardsblog/article.php?story=2007090315253367

I've added a blog entry on today's confirmation here, which I will update
as further details become available:
http://www.consortiuminfo.org/standardsblog/article.php?story=20070904053108577

I will be available all day at this number, in case you would like further
details for perspective:  617/350-6800.

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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