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

Tue Sep 4 11:00:35 EDT 2007

I've relayed the good news over to the ILTA (International Legal
Technology Association) OSS list along with the following summary of the
goings-on over the past few months.  BTW, if I get any of the details
wrong, please let me know so that I can clarify.

Thank you!
-Jerry

---------------------------------

It's been interesting watching this process develop.

In recent months, a significant number of countries (mostly third-world
nations) have inexplicably registered as voting members of ISO.  Most
interesting is that the new members have an unusually strong leaning to
vote "yes" on the OOXML ballot.  The voting membership in the various
committees has has increased by anywhere from 33% to 100%.  There is
more info here: http://www.consortiuminfo.org/news/index.php#3503
<BLOCKED::http://www.consortiuminfo.org/news/index.php#3503> .

Sweden recalled their "Yes" ballot at the last minute after discovering
improper influence
(http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic
&articleId=9033958
<BLOCKED::http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArt
icleBasic&articleId=9033958> ).

Some confusion was introduced when members were told that they could
vote "Yes, with comments" as opposed to the more typical "No, with
comments".  "No with comments" is considered a conditional vote -
meaning that the vote would become a yes if certain concerns were
addressed.  "Yes with comments" is simply a "yes".  The comments do not
have to be addressed.  It's sort of like pleading "Guilty with an
explanation."  I heard someone do that in court once and the judge said
"Plea entered as guilty - the fine is $250 and if I have to listen to
your explanation, it'll be $500".

-Jerry

-----------------------------------------

________________________________

	From: odf-discuss-bounces at opendocumentfellowship.org
[mailto:odf-discuss-bounces at opendocumentfellowship.org] On Behalf Of
Russell Ossendryver
	Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2007 7:50 AM
	To: ODF Discussion List
	Subject: Re: [odf-discuss] [Fwd: Microsoft Fails to Gain
Approval for OOXML]

	Here it is to DIGG:
http://digg.com/linux_unix/ISO_Rejects_OOXML_as_a_Standard

	On 9/4/07, Daniel Carrera <daniel.carrera at zmsl.com> wrote: 

		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=2007090315
253367

		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=2007090405
3108577 

		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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