OFE Comment - There can only be relief that the National Standards Bodies have rejected the attempt by Microsoft to steamroll its proprietary OOXML standard through ISO. This decision will be strongly welcomed by everyone who respects freedom of choice. The quite blatent attempt by Microsoft to influence the market for its own benefit has resulted in serious allegations of malpractice, and exposed as hypocrisy its attempt to be perceived as open.

But the debate has only reached the next hurdle and the next six months will see increased ferocity to the debate.

OFE in its 100% support for open, competitive choice in the market believes directly competing standards can only be detrimental to the user. It notes with interest the recommendation by certain national bodies that OOXML should now be converged with the existing ISO 26300 standard (ODF). This is a route already proposed by OFE. Our analysis has concluded that it IS possible, it IS what the market wants, but will MIcrosoft allow it?