NoOOXML

Many sources this week say that the UK situation is really hairy, for instance:

Seems as if BSI are heading for a switch to approve, without recourse to the technical working group…. it seems internal politics may be playing a part…

Other sources say that the BSI lowered its standard and went towards approval. It is all unconfirmed but sounds credible. Apparently some members were switched. Linux Today wrote:

The British Standards Institute looks set to reverse its position on Microsoft's Office Open XML file format by approving it as an international standard.. "A source close to the matter told The Register today that the technical group chaired by Francis Cave and assigned to make recommendations to the policy making panel overwhelmingly came out five to one in favour of OOXML…"

My impression so far was that the BSI applied the highest standards in the review process. Even secrecy made sense in the BSI culture. Also the convenor of the BRM, Alex Brown, is from BSI who mastered the mission impossible to get the BRM through. The United Kingdom is a p-member, so one of the nations to become pivotal to the adoption of Open XML as an ISO/IEC standard in its current state.

We will only find out what the situation in the Uk is really like after the vote as the confidentiality holds. Politically an approval would probably lead to institutional damage to the standard system.

Press report:

• Register Channel

Go checkout a comment at channel register. This should get circulated as soon as possible!

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I can't believe this is true. Although my period as a member of IST/41 (the BSI panel that is reviewing the fast-track document) was short, there was an air of intellectual honesty that gave me some modest pride being a part of it.

I really find it incomprehensible that the BSI panel might have changed its recommendation. The draft standard is truly, truly, appalling.

I will be fascinated to see if the rumor of a 5-1 change of mind is really true. If so, there will be a lot of explaining to do.

And I'd point out to anyone reading this that the panel is only advisory. If you feel that they have made a mistake, give the BSI a call on +44 (0)20 8996 9001 or email them at moc.labolg-isb|secivresc#moc.labolg-isb|secivresc

The ICT/-/1 (that's really its name) committee that actually decides the UK vote is only advised by IST/41, it doesn't *have* to abide by what they say. The BSI is supposed to work on consensus. If enough people call or contact it to tell it that it's made a mistake, it is supposed to do something about it.

If you care, get off your backside and tell them. I have already. Their vote is due in on the 29th. You have essentially one day only to influence them.