02.03.08
How ECMA Dropped the Ball with OOXML
A new document, which is available for download/viewing as PDF, addresses ECMA’s failure to properly address comments. Open Malaysia contains the gist of it.
If there are awards to be given to categories of worst dispositions provided by Ecma in response to comments by National Bodies for the OOXML balotting on 2 September 2007, then the ODF Alliance’s list of top 10 (plus 1 bonus!) is a good one. The categories are:
10. Worst Ignored Request
9. Worst non-Answer
8. Worst use of XML
7. Worst Introduction of Security Holes
6. Worst ‘Back Door’ Tactic
We have criticised ECMA in the past for highly improper handling of OOXML (some links are appended). ECMA’s goal is not to scrutinise or to improve; it’s there just to sell. As for ISO, it was virtually ‘hijacked’ by Microsoft. █
Related and recent articles (local):
- ECMA and Microsoft Ignore ('Dust Off') Italy's OOXML Concerns
- OOXML Watch: Latest Articles Include ECMA's New Tricks
- OOXML and ECMA: Same Scandal, Different Day
- ECMAJavascript and ECMA's OOXML Are a Sign of Things to Come
- OOXML Watch: Funny Business Comes to Switzerland, ECMA Speaks, Apple Falters
- Microsoft Already Plans to 'Extend' Its 'Standard'; ECMA and ISO Named and Shamed
- How Things Work at ECMA 'Production Line'
- Linspire/Lindows: Just Like Windows, Even When It Comes to Ill Stance of Standards (Updatedx3)
- ECMA Open XML Approved Despite IBM Objection
Related and recent articles (external):
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.