Microsoft's XML Doc format on fast-track, some cry foul

Nineteen nations and a flood of Open Source developers argue that Microsoft's proposed ISO standard XML Doc format is a load of rich creamery butter, so why is ISO secretariat by Lisa Rajchel putting the controversial format on the fast track? That's unclear however, what appears as clear as day is the format will see a quick five month balloting process before a near certain ratification by the all powerful International Standards Organization sometime this year.

Many states and organizations are passing laws or setting mandates to use open, documented file formats approved by international standards bodies. Currently, the worlds most popular word-processing document format, Microsoft's Word "Doc" doesn't meet that requirement. Losing MS Office customers as large as the state of California would be a huge blow to Microsoft, so there is obviously strong motivation to get the ISO on board with what MS is selling. We've reported before on potentially more sane alternatives which exist to Microsoft's bloated and unwieldy XML format; Can we help it if the ISO doesn't read Download Squad?

See Also:
Open Document Plugin for Word 97-2007 proves Microsoft wrong
Microsoft's Office Open XML spec gets final draft

Tags: EMCA, ISO, microsoft open doc, MicrosoftOpenDoc, news, open doc, open xml doc, OpenDoc, OpenXmlDoc, XML