10.07.08
Red Hat’s CEO Optimistic on ODF; OpenOffice.org Used by 1 in 4 in Brazil
World embraces real open standards
Microsoft may be trying to ‘take over’ OpenDocument Format (ODF) [1, 2, 3]. Can anyone blame them? They fail to implement OOXML (which one anyway?) that they know is a technical mess and an increasing number of nations are migrating to ODF, neglecting Microsoft’s largest cash cow in the process.
In the following new interview, Red Hat’s CEO is quoted as saying:
More countries will use ODF and have OS tenders accordingly. More government lobby efforts are being seen. This has only raised the awareness in general.
There is a very strong momentum for ODF, which typically brings Free software and GNU/Linux along its side. Contrary to common belief (misconception), OpenOffice.org is not only downloaded over one million times per week; it’s actively used by many people too, with good presence in lesser-wealthy countries such as Brazil. According to a report found by Glyn Moody, Brazil is a big OpenOffice.org consumer. It also has its own localised derivative, which demonstrates the power and importance of source code.
All around the world, it seems, people just can’t get enough of this amazing free office suite, which is now turning in serious market shares in some countries. For, example, according to this report, there are now 12 million users in Brazil, representing fully 25% of the entire office market there.
These facts are often concealed or simply fail to reach the attention of more people. Despite the fact that Microsoft happily permits people to ’steal’ Office and Windows in developing nations, GNU/Linux and OpenOffice.org are doing pretty well. DIsinformation seems to be the last remaining thing Microsoft can use in Brazil [1, 2, 3]. They sell the illusion that only poor people use GNU/Linux and Free software because it’s cheap. Cheap, not Free (as in “Freedom”). It’s a form of hypnosis and it’s it’s important to know who not to listen to. █
“Linux is being widely used on the desktop in the third world, where applications are limited and labor is inexpensive…”
–Rob Enderle, Microsoft propagandist
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.