New York Jumps Into Open Formats Fray

cyrusmack writes "Hot on the heels of the bad news regarding the defeat of all open formats bills, New York has become the latest in an area that has seen a flurry of activity already this year. In the article on InfoWorld, it's pretty clear that this bill is significantly watered down from what other states have attempted to do this year. You can bet Microsoft will be there in force, just as it has been elsewhere."

Comments

ya..

[wizardforce]

The big problem here is that we have politicians deciding the case who are not tech savvy, I mean looking at the last time ODF was killed in bills it isnt comforting when you hear things like this from them:

But during the ensuing policy debate, Betzold and other politicians quickly felt overwhelmed by the technical jargon presented by each side. "I wouldn't know an open document format if it bit me on the butt,"

so you have a situation where Microsoft being public relations geniuses are believed by the politicians who in all likeliness dont have much experience outside MS's products. the old it's good enough for us because we're familiar with it still applies as disturbing as that is

Re:open formats win, MS loses

[kungfoolery]

Open source/format is such a misunderstood term. By extension, it is believed that this means a completely democratic, transparent, and even collegiate collaborative development environment. Increasingly, it means "using this term is one of the best ways we can bring down Microsuck" Ultimately, this may mean more leverage for one or a group of interests--something that is never good for a dye-in-the-wool open source believer.

Just once

[blindseer]

Microsoft probably realizes, which is why they fight so hard, that open formats have to win only one battle to win the war. Once open formats get a foot in the door it will only be a matter of time for open formats spread. Having a populous state like New York, California, or Texas will only make the switch happen more quickly in federal and neighboring state governments.

The advantage of using Microsoft is in economies of scale, and network effects. The same advantage will make open formats spread very quickly once established in one state to other states.

Microsoft is very afraid. They should be. Office is one of their few products that has the distinction of actually turning a profit. A move to open formats would force them to compete on price, support, and features, something that they haven't had to do for a very long time.

Re:open formats win, MS loses

[munrom]

It's simple, if we deployed OOo around the site here, and it plays up just a little bit, we get our arses handed to us by management.

We deploy MSO and it borks up big time, it's all good cause, well I don't really know why, seems management have all the forgiveness for MS products but not for any others

States' rights

[Anonymous Coward]

State: Hi I like open formats because they're an open standard, owned by the world community. They're less risky, more durable, and extensible. And open.

Lobbyist: Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa... whoa... whoa there buddy. You don't know what you're talking about. Microsoft Office format documents are used by 90% of the corporate world. Plus, Microsoft is huge. And has lots of money.

State: Who are you?

Lobbyist: Hi I'm Microsoft.

State: Oh, hi. Can I have some money?

Lobbyist: Sure

State: I like Microsoft Office.

Re:open formats win, MS loses

[dotlin]

Open source/format is such a misunderstood term. It might be tough for some to understand. However the term single vendor lockin is something that anyone can understand.