Microsoft Releases Specs for Binary Formats

skolima writes "In response to requests for even easier access to the Binary Formats, Microsoft has agreed to remove any intermediate steps necessary to get the documentation. They're going to just post it, making it directly available as a download on the Microsoft web site. Microsoft will also make the Binary Formats subject to its Open Specification Promise by February 15, 2008. They're even planning to include an Open Source converter implementation."

Comments

Office XML

[ilikepi314]

Documentation will be good, but the open source converter does not seem very useful if it converts to Office XML, which no one can implement anyway. Unless this converter is so good that it gives us insight into how Office XML works... but then again, wasn't there discussion of patents on certain parts of the specification? Maybe it still can't be used safely by anyone but Microsoft, even if the source code is available...

Too Little, Too Late

[Anonymous Coward]

I stopped using Microsoft operating systems and office software a long time ago. OpenOffice already opens 99% of the old documents; maybe not exactly the way the "RenderTextLikeWord95" flag would intend, but close enough for any purpose I'll ever have. Microsoft's gesture is too little, too late.

Re:Too Little, Too Late

[Anonymous Coward]

It's funny that, 7 years ago I was hearing that "Open Office opens 99% of ...", along with the mandatory disclaimer "and it might not look EXACTLY the same ...".

7 years later, and here we are, STILL at 99%.

Microsoft releasing the specs now won't make a damn of difference, whilst the FOSS crowd is still willing to compromise so much on their own "products", while slagging MS every step of the way when they drop the ball.

7 years from now, with the specs collecting dust in a warehouse in Richmond, expect the Open Office crowd to be extolling "now opens 99.1% of ...".

Roll on 2015.

Re:The important stuff

[houstonbofh]

One more kinda important thing... It only mentions by name the older formats Microsoft is in the process of abandoning, like .doc which they blocked Office from opening recently. I see no mention of the new formats Microsoft is trying to ram down our throats. But I may have missed it... It is a kinda tough read.

April Fool's Come Early

[mpapet]

Again!

This is some interoperability play most likely to placate some government entity without actually doing much. It is the equivalent of the skin of an onion.

This is also temporary as Microsoft has already made well known their intentions to move to signed drivers only. After signed drivers comes signed applications. What good will any of this do if you can't run the app without microsoft's blessing?

FYI: http://www.alex-ionescu.com/?p=24 (related topic and safe for work)