[A2k] KEI Reaction of OOXML decision by the ISO

[Anne-Catherine Lorrain]

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AFNOR, the French standardization Agency, has finally decided to abstain on=
 the OOXML standard vote. While AFNOR had first approved the Microsoft stan=
dard in the first round of discussions, this position does not really help =
the debate and reveals difficulties in the voting process of the agency.

http://www.pcinpact.com/actu/news/42732-afnor-vote-iso-OOXML-microsoft.htm

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Anne-Catherine Lorrain
TACD IP Policy Officer
Brussels

________________________________

From: a2k-admin@lists.essential.org on behalf of James Love
Sent: Mon 3/31/2008 1:00 PM
To: random-bits@lists.essential.org; a2k
Subject: [A2k] KEI Reaction of OOXML decision by the ISO



This is the KEI Statement on the expected ISO approval of the OOXML
standard.  Jamie


"It appears as if OOXML will be approved by the ISO.  If so, we are
disappointed. Microsoft's control over document formats has destroyed
competition on the desktop, and the fight over OOXML is really a fight
over the future of competition and innovation.

At this point, few software programs can implement the OOXML standard,
and it is likely that Microsoft will use this standard as a weapon
against its competitors, by introducing various obscure elements of the
standard into MS Word and PowerPoint documents, so that only their
products can be trusted.  They have been doing for this decades already.

The TransAtlantic Consumer Dialogue (TACD) will meet with European and
US trade officials next week and likely recommend procurement policies
that would look at the practical implementation of document formats.
Specifically, they will ask that procurement be limited to software
programs that support multiple effective implementations for word
processing on at least each of the three leading operating systems
for consumers.   This is a test that OOXML does not meet."

  Jamie


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_____________________________
James Love, Knowledge Ecology International (KEI)
http://www.keionline.org <http://www.keionline.org/> , mailto:james.love@ke=
ionline.org
voice +1.202.332.2670, fax +1.202.332.2673, US mobile +1.202.361.3040,
Geneva mobile +41.76.413.6584

When everyone thinks the same, no one thinks.  Bill Walton remix of
Walter Lippmann

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