Microsoft claims IBM is out to get it

SOFTWARE GIANT Microsoft claims that IBM is trying to subvert its glorious efforts to standardise its new open document format.

Ironically, in an open letter to the software community, the Vole's Tom Robertson, the general manager for interoperability and standards, and Jean Paoli, general manager for interoperability and XML architecture weighed into Biggish Blue.

They claimed that IBM was spouting a lot of hype, smoke and mirrors obfuscation. Vole says that IBM has led a campaign to subvert OpenXML standardisation at the ISO and is trying to prevent the format from being judged on its technical merits.

The open letter claims that IBM's campaign aims to stop even the consideration of Open XML. It claims that IBM is doing so in a bid to limit choice in the marketplace for ulterior commercial motives and without regard for the negative impact on consumer choice and technological innovation. Vole says that it is "important to shine a bright light on IBM's activities" to stop the outfit having "a negative impact on the IT industry and customers".

It claimed that IBM was taking concrete steps to prevent customer choice, engaging in hypocrisy, and working against the industry and against customer needs.

If this were not said by a convicted monopolist it might carry some more weight. µ

More at Network World here. µ