The Relevancy of ODF 1.0

"Today, if you surveyed ODF implementations, you would find that the preponderance of them write ODF 1.1 documents by default. Twelve months ago many of them wrote out ODF 1.0 format, and in another 12 months I predict most will be writing out ODF 1.2 format by default.

"So what does this mean for ODF the standard?

"Every 5 years each ISO standard undergoes what is called "Periodic Review". The outcome of this review is to classify the standard as one of: confirmed, revised, stabilized or withdrawn. If it is confirmed, it means the standard is of continued relevancy and is still undergoing maintenance. Revised means it is currently undergoing revision and periodic review is not necessary. Stabilized means it "has ongoing validity and effectiveness but is mature and insofar as can be determined will not require further maintenance of any sort". And a standard is withdrawn (the most extreme option) if it has been declared unsafe, has a non-RAND patent asserted against it, or is "no longer in use".

"Some of the nattering nabobs in SC34 (e.g., Alex Brown) are floating the idea that ODF 1.0 should be withdrawn from ISO, claiming it is not implemented and not relevant. At the recent SC34 meeting in Paris this view was echoed by a Microsoft participant (one of many) in the meeting, who additionally urged that a motion to withdraw ODF 1.0 be brought forward at the Stockholm SC34 Plenary in March."

Complete Story

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