02.15.08
Mainstream Press Still Manipulated by Microsoft-imposed OOXML Deception
It continues. The media/Internet blitz in favour of OOXML shows few very signs of abatement and the breadcrumbs always lead back to Microsoft. To quote one article that addresses the source of this problem:
The Redmond, Seattle-based software giant, is leaving no stone unturned to ensure OOXML gets the extra few votes it needs at the ISO’s ballot resolution meeting in Geneva end-February. ISO members then have a month to change their votes, if they so wish.
Last month, Microsoft invited the international press for a media briefing in Seattle to give its take on the OOXML debate.
Later on, in the Asian and international press in turn, there was plenty of disinformation e.g. [1, 2]. And here is another new example of a Microsoft press release turned into new article despite the fact that the article itself repeats outdated and incomplete information. Have a look.
In another carefully timed move to garner support for its document format still under consideration for an international standard, Microsoft today altered the terms under which use of its Office Open XML format by developers is permitted.
FFII responds to this.
It was pointed out before that the OSP has an unclear scope, is not sub-licensable (=probably GPL incompatible) and is of questionable validity in legal systems of nations other than the United States. Microsoft does everything it can to contribute to market confidence:
OOXML’s software patent issues have already been discussed here endlessly [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. It’s not just incompatibility with the GPL, but it’s also the possibility of lawsuits via a third party. Microsoft has done that before, notably with SCO. █
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.