01.17.07
Novell Supports OpenXML — A Complex Proprietary Format
Recently we mentioned the fact that Microsoft’s OpenXML — a so-called ’standard’ which Novell agreed to support — already has proprietary ‘extensions’. From there onwards, the criticism just won’t end. We wish to present just a couple of blog items which address the issue at hand. They are worth reading. Hilarity could ensue, if only it were not so sadly real.
When you get an OOXML document, you don’t know what is inside. It might use the deprecated VML specification for vector graphics, or it might using DrawingML. It might use the line spacing defined in WordProcessingML, or it might have undefined legacy compatibility overrides for Word 95. It might have all of its content in XML, or it might have it mostly in RTF, HTML, MHTML, or “plain text”. Or it may have any mix of the above. Even the most basic application that reads OOXML will also need to be conversant in RTF, HTML and MHTML.
The basic premise of Rob’s article was that the Microsoft Open XML Specification was similar to creating a job description that would allow for only one qualified respondent. Such a job description might read as follows:
- 5 years experience with Java, J2EE and web development, PHP, XSLT
- Fluency in French and Corsican
- Experience with the Llama farming industry
- Mole on left shoulder
- Sister named Bridgetter
Let us not forget the legal issues one faces when fully implementing OpenXML support.
Highlight: Novell was the first to acknowledge that Microsoft FUD tactics had substance. Novell then used anti-Linux FUD to market itself. 
Highlight: Xandros let Microsoft make patent claims and brag about (paid-for) OOXML support. 
Highlight: Linspire's CEO not only fell into Microsoft arms, but he also assisted the company's attack on GNU/Linux. 
Highlight: Microsoft craves pseudo (proprietary) standards and gets its way using proxies and influence which it buys. 
Highlight: The invasion into the open source world is intended to leave Linux companies neglected, due to financial incentives from Microsoft. 
Analysis: Xen, an open source hypervisor, possibly fell victim to Microsoft's aggressive (and stealthy) acquisition-by-proxy strategy.