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As mentioned in the reboot earlier this morning, Microsoft's OpenXML document format was [approved by Ecma International][1]. OpenXML, the default format for MS Office 2007 documents, faces competition from open-source standard Open Document Format, which we [wrote about earlier this week][2].
However the Ecma approval was not unanimous, IBM cast a no vote, but was in the minority. IBM vice-president for open source and standards, Bob Sutor, [writes on his blog][3]:
>we think the OpenDocument Format ISO standard is vastly superior to the Open XML spec. ODF is what the world needs today to drive competition, innovation, and lower costs for customers. It is an example of a real open standard versus a vendor-dictated spec that documents proprietary products via XML. ODF is about the future, Open XML is about the past. We voted for the future.
One thing that's important to note is that in spite of what its name might imply, Microsoft's OpenXML is not an open source spec like ODF. OpenXML will be licensed for free, but given the size of the spec (over 4000 pages) and the fact that it eschews industry standard tools like SVG and MathML, it may be difficult for other vendors to implement.
IBM and others fear that difficult in implementing OpenXML will mean only Microsoft will fully support OpenXML with other vendors only using a subset of its features. Obviously such a situation would give Microsoft a distinct advantage in the marketplace.
So what does this mean for consumers? IBM's concerns, while they have some merit, may be unrealistic. Having two standardized formats means venders have more work to do in supporting both, but that hasn't seemed to hurt the graphics sector. After all any number of graphic software packages can read and write jpeg, gif and other standardized image file formats.
If OpenOffice ends up supporting the OpenXML format it may be a more formidable competitor.
For now Open XML will likely have a better shot at compatibility with existing documents, but in the long run ODF's more open approach may gain ground. Many vendors like Corel and Novell have already said they will support both.
[1]: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/061207/sfth087.html?.v=82 "Open XML press release"
[2]: http://blog.wired.com/monkeybites/2006/12/office_document.html "Monkey Bites on ODF"
[3]: http://www.sutor.com/newsite/blog-open/?p=1264 "Bob Sutor on OpenXML versus ODF"
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