Given latest in OO-XML vs. ODF, Microsoft must reconsider its support for ODF

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As such, there will be probably be a meeting this week or next involving Microsoft executives (like Office top dog Chris Capossela, who, at CES, answered my questions regarding this topic on video) who will weighing the changes that must be made to the ISO draft against the idea of simply providing real support for ODF in Microsoft Office. In either case, more capitulation will be involved.

There's really not much room for negotiation.

To the extent that the ISO objections focus on the process that brought ECMA-476 up for consideration, Microsoft has a chance to push through its specification.

If the subject turns to the actual technical content, there's no room for negotiation. ECMA-476 is a take-it-or-leave-it proposition, and if the ISO sends it back to ECMA for technical revisions the game is up -- because at that] point all pretense of the process being open evaporates.

The whole process then becomes one of Microsoft trying to keep all attention on the ECMA formal process and not on the working group's charter and away from technical issues at all costs. It's a high-risk strategy, though, because if they don't hold that line 100% their own attempts to focus on process turn against them.

The absolute worst-case scenario for Microsoft would be if ISO were to send 476 back to ECMA with instructions to open the spec up for real technical input and harmonization with existing standards -- and ECMA did. It's not likely, but at that point ECMA might decide that it had to choose between keeping Microsoft happy and keeping its favored status with ISO. Decisions, decisions.

Posted by: Yagotta B. Kidding   Posted on: 02/07/07 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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