The MA XML/ODF Open Forum Meeting: Shh! Did You Hear That? Something Happened
There was a lot of talking in the Massachusetts Senate Reading Room yesterday at the ODF/XML Open Format. And even some news
Real Time Report: ODF/XML Open Forum at the Mass. State House
I'm currently at the Open Forum at the Mass. State House, and will report in real-time as the meeting proceeds
Meanwhile, in a Parallel Universe…
There's another standards war story that's been running in the news over the past few days that has an eerie sense of familiarity. It goes like this: Two camps can't agree on a standard that is being developed within an existing, well-respected standards body. Eventually one camp takes its effort to Ecma International for approval and fast tracking to an international standard in order to outflank the first standards organization, and to thwart the success of the other camp. Now where have I heard something like that before?
Microsoft Posts XML Reference Schema FAQ (and Thumbs Nose at ODF and Sun)
Microsoft has posted a Q&A that is mostly reassuring, and partly flagrant FUD
Linda Hamel’s Challenge to a Transfer of IT Power in Massachusetts
I've just read Massachusetts ITD General Counsel's challenge to the Senate amendment that would transfer control of the Commonwealth's IT structure to a political task force. The abiding question it raises is this: Why would any sane person want to do this?
Quinn Cleared in Travel Investigation (But Will the Globe be Cleared?)
It's no surprise that Peter Quinn has been cleared in the investigation over his travel records. But the story won't be over until the Globe tells its readers why it took it upon itself to instigate this fruitless investigation to begin with.
Ecma Does What it is Told to Do
Everything is going as planned (by Microsoft)in Ecma, as the XML Reference Schema Working Group is approved, with only one vote against, and one abstention.
ODF/XML Notes and Reports from All Over (Installment V)
The action continues thick and fast, including a letter of protest from the Computer and Communications Industry Association to Ecma.
Terms of Microsoft’s Ecma Submission
I've received a copy of the charter for the proposed Ecma working group that would "standardize" the Microsoft XML Reference Schema. "Rubberstamp" is the better word, if Ecma's members vote to proceed.
Team ODF: Back on Offense (Did he Mention Massachusetts?)
Team ODF made a big play today, with Big Blue carrying the ball deep back into Microsoft territory.