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MS will create collaborative lock-in via database engine +

1. The Microsoft Press Release only mentions 'open' standards for Word, Excel, Powerpoint, however the database component is increasingly a critical component of any office suite. Anyone who has used MS Office 2003 will notice that an MS SQL Server engine is now a required component in order to use the collaborative aspects of Office 2003. Therefore, even if Word, Excel and Powerpoint were 100% open, in any network environment, Microsoft would still have customer lock-in via the proprietary database component.

2. The language in the Microsoft November 21 Press Release is deliberately vague about the ability for GPL programs to support reading and writing of its proposed formats. Given public statements about the GPL from Microsoft Senior Management such as Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer, it is clear that Microsoft will do everything in its power to hurt and destroy GPL programs. The restrictions on GPL access will be revealed as late as possible in the proceedings so that Microsoft can maintain its charade of openness as long as possible.

3. Various commentators such as Pamela Jones and Andy Updegrove who have done detailed studies of the issues have identified the fact that this is all about Microsoft looking for a rubber stamp to a Microsoft 'standard'.

4. Microsoft have not made any mention about the fact that it could include proprietary extensions to 'the standard' in its own products, thereby making 'the standard' basically irrelevant.

frank

Posted by: interoperate   Posted on: 12/21/05 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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