ODF 1.2 approved as new standard

OpenDocument Format (ODF) v1.2 was recently approved as the OASIS standard. But first, let's explain what OASIS is:

OASIS (Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards) is a non-profit organization that promotes the development, convergence and adoption of open standards for the global information society. OASIS promotes industry consensus and promotes the use of open standards for content management, cloud computing, business transactions, security, Web services, smart grid, and other applications. OASIS and its solutions reduce expenses, stimulate innovation, growth of world markets, and protect the right of free choice of technology. OASIS members broadly represent the market for the leading public and private sectors in technology, users and influencers. The consortium has more than 5.000 participants representing more than 600 organizations and individual members in 100 countries.

Now, on the 5th of this month, OASIS members have approved ODF (v1.2) as the official and main standard of this foundation, the highest qualification that can be granted.

Here are some quotes from the statements of one of these members:

«We like that the ODF has been developed through an open process, including a process that welcomes government and input participation, and that there are many products that support ODF, so it is not a concern for technology providers.. "

«As a great promoter of open standards, FEDICT welcomes ODF 1.2 and encourages vendors to implement this specification on various platforms, which guarantees universality, a correct standard.«

This he said Peter strickx, CTO FEDICT, the body in charge of developing and implementing the electronic government strategy in Belgium.

By the way, to show that this is important, even prestigious companies like IBM have given their opinions, which I will obviously leave here:

“IBM welcomes the new and approved OpenDocument Format 1.2 standard. We believe that standards as successful as ODF 1.2 are effective drivers of software interoperability and provide the foundation for industry innovation. Open standards such as ODF 1.2 level the playing field, creating increased competition to provide consumers and businesses with new, value-for-money, novel and reliable options. " 

— Angel diaz, vice president of open standards, IBM.

“As a sponsor of the OASIS Foundation, Microsoft is pleased to see that ODF 1.2 has been approved, a development in which Microsoft participated and has support for it. This is an important milestone for the ODF format and the ODF community .. » 

— Doug mahugh, Head of Professional Standards, Microsoft.

“Nokia is pleased to see the approval of ODF 1.2 as an OASIS standard. We use ODF 1.2 in our N9 (MeeGo) office application. The mobile office engine comes from Calligra, an open source project that implements ODF 1.2, a project we have contributed to. " 

— Frederick hirsch, Principal Architect, Nokia.

Now, the funny point ... "Microsoft" ... WTF !!! And has it contributed to the development of ODF? ¬_¬ 

Anyway, in good time for this news, it only bothers me that Microsoft now want to take credit.

regards