Microsoft admits it had no knowledge of software standards until deep into its bid to get Office Open XML approved by the International Organization for Standardization -- but there are no regrets over its tactics during the process.
A group of UK open-source advocates is seeking donations so it can continue its fight against the approval of Microsoft's Office Open XML document format.
IBM has launched a commercially supported version of its Lotus Symphony productivity suite, ready to take on Microsoft Office.
Venezuela and India have appealed against the official ratification of Microsoft's Office Open XML document format, bringing the total number of protesting countries to four.
Brazil is to appeal the International Organisation for Standardisation decision to ratify Microsoft Office Open XML, now known as ISO/IEC DIS 29500.
The eyes of the world were on Australia this week as the APEC summit got underway in Sydney, and what they've seen is a city being held under virtual martial law major roads blocked off, police cars outnumbering taxis and snipers openly hanging out on roof tops.
Microsoft's bit to make its Office Open XML (OOXML) document format an international standard has been successful, but the road was far from smooth. ZDNet.com.au has compiled all the headlines that track the arduous journey of what is now known as IS 29500.
The software company has made a big show about opening up its APIs, but has it really changed its stance towards open source?
Developers wanting to use Microsoft's Office Open XML specification will need to brush up on their legal skills.
What is it about Microsoft's proposed OOXML standard that has boffins hurling death threats at each other?
As Australia and various other nations prepare to vote on whether Microsoft's Open Office XML becomes an ISO standard, the Redmond giant is attempting to downplay fears that OOXML adopters will be hooked into the company's technology.
Redmond-based group project manager of Microsoft Office, Gray Knowlton, told ZDNet Australia that OOXML provides higher levels of security. "One of the benefits we have with the OpenOffice XML formats is that we know when we read and write and document because we have an XML based representation of what's in that content -- we know what should and should not be there," he said.
Many free and inexpensive office suites are available for download or for use in a web browser. So what's the advantage of paying a pretty penny for a desktop office suite? Corel's WordPerfect Office X4 offers a strong software package that comes closest to the breadth and depth of features found in Microsoft Office.
History of British PCs
The cash-strapped UK National Museum of Computing is home to an exhibition of the evolution of British PCs.… Watch it now
In this exclusive video interview, Optus chief information officer Lawrie Turner speaks to ZDNet.com.au about being the IT head for Australia's number two telco.
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