11.15.07
Microsoft Lobbies for OOXML Through Proxies, IBM Does Its Own Legwork
When dirty tricks are not just the norm, but also a standard
It never ceases to amaze how much Microsoft achieves with proxies that hide behind apparently independent names. There are several such arms and one of the major ones is shilling for Microsoft at the moment.
Microsoft and industry body Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) have teamed up to drive the adoption of Office Open XML in the Philippines.
We spoke about the tight CompTIA/Microsoft connection a few months ago. Last week, another example of CompTIA praising its own paymaster could be found.
Bill Gates, Steve Jobs Top CompTIA Poll on Most Influential IT Industry Personalities of the Past 25 Years
[…]
The co-founders of two of the world’s most successful, recognizable and innovative information technology (IT) companies are the industry’s most influential personalities of the past 25 years, according to a poll by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA).
Yes, this comes from the same lobbyist that praised Internet Explorer and now praises OOXML at ODF’s expense. This must be how it all works when proxies are abound. Enough ranting though. It’s just something that ought to become common knowledge.
Here is what happens on IBM’s side (no need for proxies):
OOXML Ballot Resolution Meeting: Why You Should Worry About All Comments
If you cannot process all the comments deeply and diligently, then reject OOXML. If you are still not satisfied for any reason that it makes sense for OOXML to be an ISO standard, regardless of Microsoft’s market share, then reject OOXML. If you fundamentally believe that OOXML is a bad idea built for the wrong reasons, reject OOXML.
More on the latest beta of Symphony: IBM’s Lotus Symphony Continues ODF Push
Symphony has been downloaded by more than 250,000 registered users since its release, according to IBM.
The next post will discuss the importance of ODF and a worrisome (yet quiet) trend where people are (virtually) required to pay per OOXML file that they create. It is a true danger which is yet to be realised in years to come.
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.