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OOXML Appeals Rejected

By Pamela Jones et al.

I know it will not surprise you to hear that ISO/IEC have rejected the four appeals against OOXML. Here's their press release. Now what? Andy Updegrove:

Under the ISO rules of process, this now paves the way for the as-adopted version of OOXML, now called IS0/IEC DIS 29500, Information technology - Office Open XML, to proceed to publication. That version is substantially different than the current implementation of OOXML in Office 2007, and its text has still not been publicly released by ISO/IEC. According to a joint press release, "this is expected to take place within the next few weeks on completion of final processing of the document." Intriguingly, the press release goes on to say, "and subject to no further appeals against the decision.

That should be hilarious, when they publish it and anyone tries to actually use it. Anyone? Buehler?

Keep in mind that Microsoft's Office 2007 does not implement OOXML. Infoworld May 21, 2008:

On Wednesday, Microsoft said it will not have support for the current ISO specific for OOXML until it releases the next version of Office, code-named Office 14. The company has not said when that software will be available.

No one does. How could they? Why would they?

What really happens next: the complaints lodged with the EU Commission. ISO/IED decided to go down with the ship.

Full post as published by Groklaw on August 15, 2008 (boomark / email).