OOXML shot down (for now)
September 4, 2007 7:40 pm StandardizationDespite manipulation and corruption of the process, Microsoft has suffered a serious blow in the standardization of OOXML.
Millions and millions of dollars have been poured into the project, yet Microsoft failed to get its file format accepted as an ISO standard.
Out of the 41 Participant Members of the ISO technical committee, only 53% voted in favor of the proposal, 14% short of the required level for acceptance.
This goes to show that despite a weak and corruptible ISO process, cards were called and the flawed standard was halted. So far, so good.
But the process continues. Most likely until Microsoft gets its file format standardized. The Ballot Resolution Meeting in February 2008 will bring up all the comments and look at ways to resolve them. The software vendor will have its todo list and may commence fixing the shortcomings.
Nevertheless, we have our breather. And Goliath was left stunned. A quick hurray and back to being a busy bee.