hAl's Profile

Member since March 2, 2007

  • Name

    hAl

Favorite Files

Recent Posts

  1. Comment - Calif. Document Format Bill Could Test Microsoft's Openness Claim

    (Mar 2, 2007 - 6:45 PM)

    Microsoft cannot use ODF unless some organisation wants to take on liability for future patent claims.
    We have seen that using MP3 where MS payed for a licanse to the Fraunhofer institute in windows has slammed MS for 1,5 billion dollars.

    Unless ODF is proven to be patentfree (which is practically impossible) MS won't touch it.

    Also Sun where the format originated has control over the development of ODF with it patent claims hanging over future development as they have waived their patents only if Sun is a major contributer in development. So if Sun says no to development or Sun gets taken over, ODF development could be severely hindered. That is not a format option for Microsoft to use.