12.30.07
OpenDocument Format is Widely-accepted by Governments
The ODF Alliance has just unleashed a document [PDF] which boasts increasing acceptance of OpenDocument format. From the text:
Approved as an international standard (ISO 26300:2006) in May 2006, OpenDocument Format (ODF) has achieved growing acceptance as the document format of choice for governments around the world. Below are examples of policy actions taken by governments to promote the adoption of ODF and ensure the benefits of access, choice, interoperability and cost savings.
The list is impressive, but it also seems quite partial. If only ODF had a public relations department to show its full impact (but it’s vendor-independent)…
The future looks bright for ODF. As for OOXML, not so much.
In the past, Ossendryver has vocally criticized Microsoft and its allies for their efforts to compete with the OpenDocument Format, an ISO-recognized standard office doc format that’s already widely implemented.
As of his readers named “tz” says in the comments to Russell’s post, Microsoft’s latest move is more about politics than true standards compliance
Remember that OOXML is all about money. It has nothing to do with true openness. Any sign of OOXML adoption is either coincidental or paid for by Microsoft (directly or indirectly, e.g. compensation). It is all well documented. █
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.