Open XML / ODF Converter Released

February 5th, 2007: Stage one of the Microsoft-backed project to develop a tool to convert Word documents between Open XML and Open Document Format (ODF) has been completed, with version 1.0 of the Open XML Translator now available.

The tool will enable conversion both ways between Open XML and ODF and is an important development as more organisations and governments move towards open standards.

ODF is used in open source applications such as OpenOffice.org and has been accepted as a worldwide standard by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). Open XML on the other hand, is the default format for Microsoft Office 2007, and is still waiting on ISO approval.

This situation has more or less painted Microsoft into a corner with its support of ODF, prompting it to put its weight behind the project in the name of interoperability.

The translator tool can be used as a plug-in for Word 2007 to enable it to support ODF, and isn’t the end of the project either. Microsoft says that conversion tools for Excel spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations are also currently in the works.

Version 1.0 of the translator can be download from the open source repository SourceForge.net as of now.

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