From OpenOffice.org:
25 November 2005
OpenOffice.org believes that the demand for a genuine open-standard format for office documents is overwhelming. Users of office software are coming to realise that their real investment lies not in the software itself, but in the spreadsheets, databases, and wordprocessing documents which they have created: their own intellectual property. The only way to guarantee access to this investment long term is for the data to be stored in a vendor- neutral, open-standard format.
Microsoft’s announcement on Monday, 21 Nov., that it recognises the market pressure for open-standard data formats is a welcome development. But why opt for a new standard? OpenDocument, which OpenOffice.org uses, is approved by OASIS – the standards body for XML data formats in business; OASIS is sponsored by all the leading names in IT, including Microsoft. In addition, OpenDocument was submitted to the International Standards Organisation (ISO) on 30 September 2005 for ratification.
OpenDocument is a genuine vendor-neutral, open-standard specification, free from intellectual property encumbrances, so that all developers are free to work with it, including open-source developers.
Vendors and developers do not need to continue with the current limiting industry standard, as the OpenDocument standard is available now. Utilising an open-standard, such as OpenDocument, driven and supported by many vendors, is of huge benefit to organisations and their customers. Interoperability between different applications and potential new ventures formed among vendors supporting OpenDocument will stimulate innovation.
Following an open process, the OASIS OpenDocument Technical Committee has a long term commitment to extend, improve, and maintain the standard as technology changes. Membership is open to anyone and users of OpenDocument may view the OpenDocument proceedings and participate in an increasing number of forums.
OpenOffice.org and other open-source projects are well placed to lead and contribute to the innovation of new e-business applications utilising the OpenDocument file format specification.
OpenOffice.org believes that the demand for a genuine open-standard format for office documents is overwhelming. Users of office software are coming to realise that their real investment lies not in the software itself, but in the spreadsheets, databases, and wordprocessing documents which they have created: their own intellectual property. The only way to guarantee access to this investment long term is for the data to be stored in a vendor- neutral, open-standard format.
Microsoft’s announcement on Monday, 21 Nov., that it recognises the market pressure for open-standard data formats is a welcome development. But why opt for a new standard? OpenDocument, which OpenOffice.org uses, is approved by OASIS – the standards body for XML data formats in business; OASIS is sponsored by all the leading names in IT, including Microsoft. In addition, OpenDocument was submitted to the International Standards Organisation (ISO) on 30 September 2005 for ratification.
OpenDocument is a genuine vendor-neutral, open-standard specification, free from intellectual property encumbrances, so that all developers are free to work with it, including open-source developers.
Vendors and developers do not need to continue with the current limiting industry standard, as the OpenDocument standard is available now. Utilising an open-standard, such as OpenDocument, driven and supported by many vendors, is of huge benefit to organisations and their customers. Interoperability between different applications and potential new ventures formed among vendors supporting OpenDocument will stimulate innovation.
Following an open process, the OASIS OpenDocument Technical Committee has a long term commitment to extend, improve, and maintain the standard as technology changes. Membership is open to anyone and users of OpenDocument may view the OpenDocument proceedings and participate in an increasing number of forums.
OpenOffice.org and other open-source projects are well placed to lead and contribute to the innovation of new e-business applications utilising the OpenDocument file format specification.