ConsortiumInfo: The OOXML Contradictions Disclosed

“Someone was kind enough to send me the package of materials
distributed by JTC 1 earlier today to its members (I have
authenticated these materials through a second knowledgeable source
as well). The package contains each of the responses filed during
the ISO Fast Track Contradictions period for Ecma 376, the
specification based upon Microsoft’s OOXML formats, as well as the
responses prepared by Ecma to those responses.

“As you’ll recall, I had been told that the majority of these
responses were critical, while Microsoft had downplayed them,
suggesting that most or many were either neutral, or in fact
‘laudatory.’ As they are to be made public shortly, you will be
able to perform your own comparison, but here are brief extracts
from each of the 20 responses received by JTC 1 (the package
confirms, as I had earlier reported, that a total of 20, and not
19, responses were received). While these are only extracts, I have
reproduced short out takes that are sufficient to allow you to now
see the actual mix between favorable, neutral and negative
responses. As you will see, 14 of 20 responses were clearly
negative, two indicated divisions of opinion, three were
inconclusive or neutral, and one offered no objections. I think
that it’s fair to say that the over view that I had previously
offered has proven to be accurate…”

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