Office Open XML Booed By Google

Company calls for open document standards

We haven’t yet reached the point at which somebody rhymes OOXML with "hell" and starts chanting.  Yet Google’s far from happy with Microsoft’s submission of Office Open XML as an international standard, and has publicly said as much on its corporate blog.

Open Office XML Booed By Google    Zaheda Bhorat

"Google believes OOXML would be an insufficient and unnecessary standard, designed purely around the needs of Microsoft Office," wrote Open Source Programs Manager Zaheda Bhorat.  "We join the ODF Alliance and many other experts in our belief that OOXML doesn’t meet the criteria required for a globally-accepted standard."

The three links in that last sentence were all put there by Bhorat, by the way, and not WebProNews.  Google appears to be providing as much evidence and support for its position as possible.

Microsoft’s not exactly staying silent, though.  A spokesperson told David Meyer, "Everyone wants to use their data in slightly different ways.  Furthermore, multiple standards can foster a healthy, competitive industry.  By developing tools like the [Office] Open XML-ODF translators and making them widely available, we are promoting customer choice, which is our top priority."

ISO members have a little more than one month left to agree with either one argument or the other; at the end of March, a voting deadline should at least temporarily settle the matter.

Stumble This!


About Doug Caverly
Doug is a staff writer for WebProNews. Visit WebProNews for the latest eBusiness news.

View all posts by Doug Caverly
Top Rated White Papers and Resources

2 Responses to Office Open XML Booed By Google

  1. John Drinkwater says:

    The article title is incorrect, Google is booing Microsoft

WebProNews
WebProNews offers news and commentary on issues in the industry.

Tell Us About Yourself
First Name:
Last Name:
Job Title:
Email:

| Use Facebook Instead
WebProNews
Join to get the newsletter, comment, and read exclusive content.


Sign up the old fashioned way. Use this form.



About Us | Terms of Service
WebProNews
Thank you for signing up with WebProNews

Now you will be able to enjoy the Full benifits of being a member.