OOXML critics speak out

As you might recall, Microsoft announced earlier this week that its OOXML (Office Open XML) document format had been certified as a standard by the ISO, a fact that the company was quite pleased with. Not everyone is happy about OOXML's standardization, however. A number of critics, many of whom support the competing ODF (Open Document Format) standard have released statements expressing their displeasure with the ISO's decision. "Will the real interoperability standard please stand up?" Red Hat wrote in a statement. "The Open Document Format, which has long been a multiparty-supported ISO standard, will continue to be a force in procurement decisions to be reckoned with. Government and Enterprises are tired of the lack of choice, lack of innovation, and premium rents from vendor lock-in." IBM was a little less harsh, telling Ars Technica that "We look forward to being part of the community that works to harmonize ODF and OOXML for the sake of consumers, companies and governments."

For more on OOXML's critics:
- see this Ars Technica article