Microsoft's commitment to open file formats

[Barnable]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6265976.stm

Has anyone seen this article about how Microsoft is championing the cause of open file formats?

Best bit - quote from Microsoft UK chairman: "Historically within the IT industry, the prevailing trend was for proprietary file formats. We have worked very hard to embrace open standards, specifically in the area of file formats."

Cheers,


Barnable

[orange2k]

Thats a good one...=D>

[starcraft.man]

Bleh. I think I've seen enough about MS and their pushing OOXML.

There is a simple truth as far as I've seen. MS cares about "open standards" only in so far as they want to appear to care about them (thats the most profitable situation). They sell a proprietary product, they've no interest in using an open standard (i.e. odt and other open formats). Why? Because open standards mean you can just take data A and use open office, or any other product thats free or not MS to use it. Thats not profitable, so why not just look like you care while still going to the greatest lengths you can to lock in customers? Thats what they are doing.

The translator they made is limited and useless far as I've seen. Like their pushing open, its just for appearance. I'm sticking to openoffice.

[diesel1]

If you want to read more about Microsoft and their *open* formats see....

http://boycottnovell.com/2007/07/04/standard-body-connections/

and many other articles on the site.

Diesel1.