01.19.07
Groklaw Indicates That Novell Supports a “Monopoly Enabler”
This debate has been covered extensively before. However, if you are still unconvinced that Microsoft’s Open XML (OOXML) is nothing but a proprietary format in disguise, have a look at the lastest from Groklaw. This blog item, which equates this ’standard’ to a “monopoly enabler”, has even gotten Bob Sutor’s attention.
…I learned this week that despite Microsoft’s promises of a new openness and its assertions regarding interoperability for its OOXML (formerly known as OpenXML and also known as EOOXML) and despite having offered it as a standard, it seems that it’s another case of promises, promises. From what I’ve been reading, which I’ll share with you, I think it’s time to ask ourselves some serious questions: does OOXML really qualify as a standard? Or is it yet another monopoly-enabler in the guise of a standard?
Sadly, Novell has given Microsoft’s plan some credence by saying it would offer OOXML 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.