Microsoft Opens Door to Open Formats

By Greg McNevin

May 23, 2008: In a complete break from tradition, Microsoft has announced that it will be adding support for a range of universal standards, including OpenDocument Format (ODF) to its Office 2007 productivity suite.

The move will see put open source formats on equal standing with its own proprietary, and semi-open formats, such as Office Open XML (OOXML), and eliminate the need for extra plugins or converters.

The support will be implemented in Office 2007 Service Pack 2, and will include native support for formats such as ODF, PDF 1.5 and PDF/A.The European Commission has tentatively welcomed the announcement, saying that it supports steps towards genuine interoperability. It is, however, investigating the announcement to ensure that it isn’t a delaying tactic to fend of antitrust attacks and consolidate its position.

“The Commission will investigate whether the announced support of OpenDocument Format in Office leads to better interoperability and allows consumers to process and exchange their documents with the software product of their choice,” said the commission in a statement.

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