11.30.07
Another Gentle Introduction to the GNOME/OOXML Dilemma
Here is a new overview of the whole GNOME/OOXML/ODF kerkuffle. It presents both sides of the argument.
On the first of this month, after reading about the original dispute between ODF advocates and representatives from the GNOME community,
[…]
Q: What would you say to critics that would argue that you’re a Microsoft shill, or less stridently, that you’re too accepting of OOXML and inadequately supportive of ODF?
A: Well, I’d (re)acknowledge that Microsoft is indeed a customer, but point out that our two biggest clients - those at the Patron level - are in fact IBM and Sun. So presumably I’d be shilling for them if I was shilling.
The whole pseudo-dialog there presents the same old argument, so if you’re new to the issue, it’s definitely worth a read.
”Miguel de Icaza was the president of GNOME at the time and he is also a Vice President at Novell, who thinks OOXML is a “superb standard”.“I’ve found out a few new things. What I did not know is the fact that Jody Goldberg left Novell just a few months ago. When I spoke to Jeff I got the impression that this departure happened a long time ago (enough to erode biases). My misunderstanding, however, isn’t the result of anything I was told specifically.
The hypothetical scenario above just comes to illustrate that, according to this logic, both ODF and OOXML are supported, which pretty much aligns with the GNOME Foundation’s statement that was echoed by the media in an unfortunate way. We’ve just explained why it’s bad news, using a post more elaborate than usual.
Since Jody worked at Novell until recently, one just might wonder about the influences and potential conflict of interests. Miguel de Icaza was the president of GNOME at the time and he is also a Vice President at Novell, who thinks OOXML is a “superb standard”. █
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.