01.16.08
Microsoft Goes Lobbying Against OpenDocument Format in Malaysia
“It’s a Simple Matter of [Microsoft’s] Commercial Interests!”
–Microsoft’s Doug Mahugh about OOXML in Malaysia
In Malaysia, ODF has already won after careful and prolonged consideration (they didn’t like OOXML). Microsoft, however, continues its manipulation in Malaysia, despite and because of increased adoption of ODF and Free software in the country.
Now, try to imagine Microsoft approaching the authorities in question with a new bogus study from the Burton Group, a set of carefully-doctored lies (hiding evidence) and seemingly-independent lobbying arms such as CompTIA (Microsoft uses them as a proxy in the Philippines right now). Then, be aware that Microsoft will be kind to those who make decisions. It would grease them up, take them out to dinner and make empty promises. It’s all about money and sometimes subtle forms of bribery. We have seen it all before.
A lot of this was expected and what we recently called the “Month of the Dirty OOXML Tricks” has truly begun. Owing to overwhelming pressure and disinformation, Microsoft seems close to flipping some votes and reversing inertia through pragmatic support.
While the battle between proponents of OpenDocument Format (ODF) and Office Open XML (OOXML) rages on, Microsoft is making some headway persuading several strategic organizations in Malaysia to adopt OpenXML.
The guys at OpenMalaysia will hopefully take a careful look at this. It is unlikely that Microsoft plays fair based on what we’ve witnessed so far. There are not many reports that provide inside information and sufficient insight. █
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.