@Winter, there is also a push by Microsoft and others to move ISO toward a "direct participation" model where corporations can participate in ISO directly, bypassing the national body mechanisms altogether. This would essentially turn ISO into a vendor consortium. So it will be interesting to see how this all turns out. To coin a folk aphorism, "In the land of the ugly queen all the mirrors have disappeared."
## posted by Rob : Thu Dec 06, 12:23:00 PM EST

Furthermore:

@nb, if you are interested in more information on "Direct Participation" check with your national JTC1 member body and ask about N8812, the ballot which would establish an ad hoc group to study this. That ballot closes December 24th.
## posted by Rob : Fri Dec 07, 08:27:00 AM EST

Rob also says that Microsoft is already controlling the majority of JTC1, which is probably true if you look at who is gonna be in the delegations at the BRM:

It is a scary proposition. I don't think people understand how much Microsoft now owns JTC1 in a very real and tangible way. Absolutely owns.

Consider that it requires 2/3 approval of JTC1 P members to approve a standard. Microsoft, by various means, has managed to achieve very close to that number. They are only 5 short. If they achieve that 2/3 then they can ram through whatever standards they want.

But that scary part is that with even 1/3 of P-members, a number they clearly outright own, they can block anyone else's standard. It probably hasn't sunk into your realization yet, but Microsoft can essentially already erected toll bridge in ISO and demand payment or other concessions from anyone who wants to work with International Standards. If ISO rules get in the way, Microsoft can change them. If ISO administrators get in the way — no worry. With this number of NB's Microsoft can control directives, staffing, paychecks, etc.

They've raised an army. You don't think they will use it?

Please call your National Body now and try to find out what is going on. There seem to be a voting deadline next 24 December.