Re: [tdf-discuss] Re: Do not support writing to OOXML format

On 1/2/2011 6:34 PM, Italo Vignoli wrote:
> On 1/3/11 1:12 AM, Barbara Duprey wrote:
>
> > I was under the impression that the vanilla versions of Office since
> > 2007 SP2 could read and write ODF formats, with no need to install any
> > plugins (but with their own special twist on ODF). From what you say
> > here, that is not true; I haven't installed Office in a long time, and
> > don't intend to, so I didn't know that ODF support was not automatic.
>
> ODF support is built in since MS Office 2007 SP2 for Windows. MS Office for MacOS does not support 
> ODF, and there is not a plugin availble. The older version of MS Office do not support ODF, but 
> there is a plugin available.
>
> We all know that Microsoft is trying to slow down ANY standard format, because format lock in is a 
> long time strategy.
>
> I do not know if you are familiar with Gandhi statement: "First they ignore you, then they laugh 
> at you, then they fight you, then you win".
>
> This is exactly what is happening for office suites.
>
> Gandhi won over the British empire being respectful of law and being an advocate of freedom. I do 
> not have his moral strength, but I do follow his lesson.

Very nice, Italo, and thanks for the information about ODF support in Office. We seem to be at "then 
they fight you" so it's looking good!

Unfortunately, this means that most user-created documents going to those with more recent versions 
of Office will be handled by the MS ODF, which is especially unfortunate for spreadsheets. If we get 
a complaint about compatibility, we can (as usual) recommend using PDF if possible. But if not, 
which is the better choice -- XP or OOXML? Unless I can be fairly sure OOXML will be more 
satisfactory, I'll still recommend XP. But I'm willing to be convinced to recommend (very 
reluctantly) OOXML. Is there any way to assess this, or will we just have to wait and see?

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