[Openxml] [Fwd: OOXML Vote]

[Edgar Valenzuela Villacis]

---------------------------- Mensaje original ----------------------------
Asunto: OOXML Vote
De:     "tom rabon" <trabon en redhat.com>
Fecha:  Mie, 22 de Agosto de 2007, 4:30 pm
Para:   evalenzuela en inen.gov.ec
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Mr. Landivar:

	I know that you have heard from a number of technology companies
regarding the upcoming OOXML Deliberations and Vote. My company, Red
Hat,  is the world's premier provider of open source technology
solutions to enterprises and governments. We have a significant interest
in the OOXML Vote.
     I am writing to ask for your support in backing a single global
document format standard.  One global open standard would maximize the
benefits of the marketplace, encourage innovation, interoperability,
competition and choice. As I am reminded each time I attempt to use my
CDMA cellphone outside of the United States, more than one format can
lead to confusion and frustration on the part of those who actually use
the technology.
     Last year the ISO certified Open Document Format ("ODF") as a
global standard for document formats with a unanimous vote from its
members. ODF is now an approved global standard for file creation,
sharing and storage. ODF is clear, relevant, open and available for
every vendor. It is supported by a global community of interest
(specifically represented by the ODF Alliance with over 500 members) and
users across industries reliant on open, collaborative and scalable
information technologies.
     Another standard for office documents has been proposed called the
“Office Open XML” (OOXML). It has been approved by the European Computer
Manufacturers Association (ECMA) and it is seeking fast track adoption
from the ISO on September 2nd, 2007.  ISO endorsement of OOXML would
have serious long-term consequences for the development of, and
investments in, the global IT industry.
     I would encourage you to disapprove OOXML, as such an action would
provide greater impetus for convergence of the OOXML specification with
the ODF international standard.  This convergence would serve the
industry and governments through greater availability of multiple,
interoperable applications.

Here are a number of specific concerns we have with OOXML:

Specific to the OOXML specification that is currently under ballot in
ISO/IEC JTC1 (DIS 29500 – Ecma 376/Open OfficeXML), the key issues and
concerns are:

OOXML does not satisfy the criteria used to define standards.  Standards
should be repeatable, optimal/best practices and interoperable.
Not precise, repeatable, common.
Does not preserve a nation’s sovereign right to their document data and
its long term preservation
Benefits only a single vender’s implementation
Does not support today’s heterogeneous operating system deployments and
dictates a Microsoft Windows operating system.
Was rushed and is riddled with hundreds of technical flaws that must be
addressed.

     Ecuador has an opportunity to cast a very important vote on this
matter.  I appreciate very much for your consideration of our position
and support of a single global document format.

Sincerely,


Tom Rabon
Executive Vice President Corporate Affairs
Red Hat Inc
919/ 754-4141
email: trabon en redhat.com