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Microsoft Office Formats Not Really Being Opened

Contradicting this earlier article claiming otherwise, smith_barney writes "Contrary to reports, Microsoft is not opening up its proprietary Office XML schemas. Essentially, the state of Massachusetts is simply repositioning what it considers an 'open format.' According to a report in BetaNews, Microsoft told the state it would ease licensing restrictions, but only for 'end users who merely open and read government documents.' This hasn't stopped Microsoft from tooting its horn, but Jupiter Research senior analyst Joe Wilcox says, 'Buzz about so-called open formats is little more than PR FUD.'"

8 of 310 comments (clear)

  1. Open? by TheKidWho · · Score: 3, Funny

    Nothing for you to see here. Please move along

    That is probablly what your going to get when you try to work with one of these "open" formats from MS.

  2. In other news by jb.hl.com · · Score: 5, Funny

    Bush not really a Muslim.
    Babies not really delivered by storks.
    Bears do not actually have modern sanitation.

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    By summer it was all gone...now shesmovedon. --
    1. Re:In other news by TheKidWho · · Score: 4, Funny

      phew, at least Santa is still real!

  3. Heh... by g33ker · · Score: 5, Funny

    Looks like an 'open and shut' case to me...

  4. "open" is a four letter word by wowbagger · · Score: 5, Funny

    "open" is a four letter word, and to Mr. Gates, it is an obscene four letter word.

  5. [tt] Closed format? by daniil · · Score: 4, Funny

    If this is their understanding of an open format, then what would a closed format be in Microsoft's book? A write-only one?

    --
    Man is a slave because freedom is difficult, whereas slavery is easy.
  6. Office XML Documenation by LiquidCoooled · · Score: 5, Funny


    <office>??????????????</office>
    </xml>

    The MS Office open XML file format consists of an XML branch, followed by an Office branch.
    Unfortunately, due to the complexities of parsing this branch, it should be passed directly as a parameter into our improved Office ActiveX object.
    We are currently developing an addin for firefox as well.

    Thank you for looking at this documentation, that will be all.

    --
    liqbase :: faster than paper
  7. Joke, looking for an occasion by PsiPsiStar · · Score: 4, Funny

    Essentially, the state of Massachusetts is simply repositioning what it considers an 'open format.'

    How does Bill Gates screw in a lightbulb?

    He doesn't. He declares darkness the industry standard.

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    It's the end of my comment as I know it and I feel fine.