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Microsoft says it will sponsor an open-source project to create tools for translating files between the OpenDocument Format, which arose from the OpenOffice.org program, and the Office Open XML format to be used in Microsoft Office.
It's the latest twist in an ongoing debate over the two formats, playing out in Massachusetts and elsewhere, with potential implications for the company's long-term dominance of desktop productivity software. Microsoft has been questioned for proposing its own standard XML format, connected to its software, rather than working with the OpenDocument Format.
The company's announcement, issued overnight, explains the new initiative:
The project, developed with partners, will create tools to build a technical bridge between the Microsoft Office Open XML Formats and the OpenDocument Format (ODF). This work is in response to government requests for interoperability with ODF because they work with constituent groups that use that format. In addition to being made available as free, downloadable add-ins for several older versions of the Microsoft Office system, the translation tools will be developed and licensed as open source software. The translation tools will be broadly available to the industry for use with other individual or commercial projects to accelerate document interoperability and expand customer choice between Open XML and other technologies.
Andy Updegrove, who follows these issues closely on his Consortiuminfo.org Standards blog, calls the project "the latest in a series of concessions to the rising popularity of ODF" by Microsoft. "Clearly, Microsoft realizes that ODF is not going to go away, and that it is necessary to adjust its strategy accordingly," he adds later. "I expect that this latest concession won't be the last, as Microsoft's defensive perimeter continues to shrink."
At the same time, Microsoft's announcement isn't exactly a love letter to the Open Document Format. After extolling the virtues of Office Open XML, the news release adds: "In contrast, ODF focuses on more limited requirements, is architected very differently and is now under review in OASIS subcommittees to fill key gaps such as spreadsheet formulas, macro support and support for accessibility options."
See coverage by CNet News.com, the Wall Street Journal and Reuters.
For the record, it's not Microsoft's first open-source project. This story from the archives contains information on some of the company's previous initiatives.
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I think taking a larger share of Facebook would be a good move. Facebook is preparing itself to be the platform of the web and this is exactly what MS needs. Also incorporating facebook services with outlook and hotmail could be extremely useful. Unfortunately, a complete buyout would put MS's name behind the service which could turn users away (as fickle as young people are) so, like the previous 250 million investment, it would need to be quiet."
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