French Government Recommends Standardizing on ODF

Juha-Matti Laurio writes "From the InfoWorld article: All French government publications should be made available in OpenDocument Format (ODF), according to a report commissioned by the French prime minister. The new report also suggests that France ask its European partners to do likewise when exchanging documents at a European level. It is recommended that the government will fund a research center dedicated to open-source software security as well, adds the article."

Comments

You can have any flavor you like, if it's vanilla

[BadAnalogyGuy]

Standards are great tools. They provide everyone a level playing field to begin development. You have a defined target, and you can build your application directly to spec.

But what about innovation? If we cry foul that monopolies stifle innovation, then we should also be decrying standards that may not adapt easily to future problems.

The IHWB (Institute of Horse Whip Buggy manufacturers) can't compete with someone who develops a cheaper, faster, and safer means of transportation than on top of some unpredictable animal.

Re:The French attitude

[tygerstripes]

You're right, the French do adore standards - but if and only if they get to set them.

You'll notice there are two standards of Sea Mark (buoys) in existence globally. The reason? The french insisted on keeping their own standard when everyone else had a different one in place. So, everyone changed to the french standard. And when half the world had changed over, the french relented and went with the original standard...

I know, it's a bit silly to discuss "the french" as a generic collective, but this does rather smack of their culture. I love France personally, but sometimes they drive me mad too...

By the way, "My husband is a count...". I think you misspelled.