SNZ Magazine Article

Over a month ago I was asked to submit an article for Standards NZ official magazine. That is an offline publication but it was released this week. Here is the article I submitted, it appears alongside a piece by Brett Roberts of Microsoft:

Don Christie of the NZOSS Discusses why he is Against the OOXML Standard

The Standards NZ press release announcing its recent decision to vote against Microsoft's proposed OOXML standard states what has been obvious to technical experts across the world:

Government Web Standards Wiki

One of our members has pointed out that there is a Government Web Standards Wiki up and running. From the about page we have "The intent of this wiki is to provide a collaborative website where anyone who is interested in the New Zealand Government Web Standards and Recommendations and Web Standards compliance can share knowledge and make suggestions on the future development of the Standards."

We know that a lot of work has already been done in this area by NZOSS members in Wellington especially so here is a chance to contribute on line as well if you wish.

You'll need to email the SSC to request an account and details of that process are available here.

Tipping Points

I am tired, but was composing an article on the OOXML fall out. Groklaw got there first, because PJ is tireless. She says:

"Anyone, then, from this day forward who is naive enough to believe a single word from Microsoft needs to see a doctor right away. That is the single most important positive result from this OOXML process, as far as I'm concerned. Now we know.

ISO/IEC DIS 29500 receives necessary votes for approval as an International Standard

And here it is, just for completeness.

I can see why it took two days to write... it's one of the most neutral, watertight press releases I have seen. Even when they do digress into an area of possible contention (i.e. what the standard is allegedly for) they point the origin of the claim directly back at the originating party.

Well, I wish them all the best with that one. I'm sure they'll be very happy together.

Old Dog Reprise

I have had more interest in the story about the attacks on Matthew Holloway's credibility than I imagined. Whilst it is a bit of a side show in the debate about whether OOXML should become an ISO standard it seems worth following up. This will (hopefully) be the last word from me on the subject. We will not be taking the issue any further.