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Dark Corners of the OpenXML Standard

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the dared-to-comply dept.

Standard Disclaimer writes "Most here on Slashdot know that Microsoft released its OpenXML specification to counter ODF and to help preserve its market position, but most people probably aren't aware of all the interesting legacy code the OpenXML specification has brought to light. This article by Rob Weir details many of the crazy legacy features in the dark corners of OpenXML. As it concludes after analyzing specification requirements like suppressTopSpacingWP, 'so not only must an interoperable OOXML implementation first acquire and reverse-engineer a 14-year old version of Microsoft Word, it must also do the same thing with a 16-year old version of WordPerfect.'"

13 of 250 comments (clear)

  1. It's not a true standard... by __aaclcg7560 · · Score: 3, Funny

    Until it supports WordStar documents.

  2. Length by jcnnghm · · Score: 3, Funny

    I don't know why anyone would complain, the spec is only 6,000 pages long.

    --
    You don't make the poor richer by making the rich poorer. - Winston Churchill
    1. Re:Length by chthon · · Score: 2, Funny

      Yes, but modular programming is anti-thetical to Microsoft's way of doing things.

  3. 14 year-old Word and 16-year old WP by AiY · · Score: 2, Funny

    Sweet! I actually have copies of those somewhere. The reverse engineering process will begin immediately. Now where did I put my 286....

    --
    "You need a license to buy a gun, but they'll sell anyone a stamp." - Red Green
  4. Size by Kadin2048 · · Score: 4, Funny

    I don't know why anyone would complain, the spec is only 6,000 pages long.

    And the best part is, these are the pages it uses... (I mean, why else do those specs cost so much?)

    --
    "Ladies and gentlemen, my killbot features Lotus Notes and a machine gun. It is the finest available."
    1. Re:Size by SuluSulu · · Score: 4, Funny

      6,000 pages is nothing! Try reading The Wheel of Time series.

    2. Re:Size by Squigley · · Score: 2, Funny

      Ow! I got a paper cut, and now I need a prosthetic arm!

  5. Death would be too easy. by Kadin2048 · · Score: 4, Funny

    I think we need to do some sort of "Trading Places"-esque scheme, where all the Microsoft board members go to sleep one night as usual, but wake up the next morning working in Bangalore at an outsourced call center for OEM tech support.

    At the same time we'll let the tech support drones have their way with the Microsoft campus, which I suspect will involve setting it on fire.

    --
    "Ladies and gentlemen, my killbot features Lotus Notes and a machine gun. It is the finest available."
  6. Re:The author is exactly right. by Helldesk+Hound · · Score: 2, Funny

    I always thought the ECMA was something to be purchased. ;o)

  7. Bah! by mrchaotica · · Score: 2, Funny

    The strings command supports all legacy document formats! What more could you possibly need? Besides, formatting is overrated anyway...

    --

    "[Regarding the 'cloud,'] ownership was what made America different than Russia." -- Woz

  8. Re:No bragging rights there. by medlefsen · · Score: 2, Funny

    When you hold down shift and slowly extend your finger towards the 4 key are you seriously thinking to yourself, "Ha, take that Microsoft!" Cause if you are you need a new hobby.

  9. Where I'm from, reverse-engineering... by PurifyYourMind · · Score: 3, Funny

    ...14- and 16-year-olds is illegal.

  10. Re:Suck it up by animaal · · Score: 5, Funny

    What's the deal with you people? I have seen engineers take apart the most difficult situations. You have the format in your hands. It's ugly and crappy, go figure. Just get it done and stop bitching. Why is everyone so lazy? Jeff, is that you? Haven't seen you much since you became a project manager. Congrats on getting the MBA!