Proposed legislation that would mandate the use of the Open Document Format
(ODF) across the entire Dutch government has infuriated Microsoft. A group promoting
open standards sees no threat, however, and has invited Microsoft to join its
ranks.

On Wednesday the Dutch parliament will discuss a plan to mandate use of the
Open Document Format (ODF) at government agencies. The proposal is part of a
wider plan to increase the sustainability of information and innovation, while
lowering costs through the reuse of data.

Policy makers see interoperability as the key to achieving these goals and
therefore recommend that open standards should be used whenever possible. Bodies
that wish to deviate from the open standards policy can request a temporary
stay, but have to show a timeline showing a planned implementation date -- a
policy described as "comply or explain."

The proposal recommends the use of open source software if that's a viable
alternative over closed-source applications, which could give a major boost
to applications like OpenOffice. Implementing the plan is expected to cost 8.45
million euros between 2008 and 2011.

By mandating ODF, however, the plan could disqualify Microsoft products. The
software vendor doesn't support ODF but instead backs its OpenXML format, which
is pending approval as an open standard before the International Organization
for Standardization.

Microsoft Netherlands has engaged in fierce lobbying in an attempt to derail
the plan. The company argues that the current definition is too narrow, specifically
by mandating ODF rather than open standards in general. "I wonder if you
would be allowed to use standards like PDF, Wifi, GSM, XML, Bluetooth and mp3
within the government or if you would be bound to a comply or explain as well,"
Theo Rinsema, general manager of Microsoft Netherlands, said to Webwereld, an
IDG affiliate.

Although approval of OpenXML as an open standard is pending, Rinsema argued
that the format should be treated as an equal alternative to ODF.

Rinsema fears that the current proposal could lead to discrimination against
Microsoft products ranging from Office 12 to .Net, even though they offer a
proper solution at a cost that is comparable to competing products.

The ban would also affect other IT vendors that partially base their products
on Microsoft technologies, Microsoft cautioned. Rinsema singled out local partner
company Orange Hill, which delivers open-source software based on Microsoft
Windows.

"There is an ecosystem around our products that employs 170,000 people.
They deliver all sorts of services," said Rinsema. "With the uncertainty
in the program, I wonder if they still have a license to operate."

The OpenDoc Society, an organization that promotes the adoption of open standards
and backer of ODF, claims that Microsoft is crying wolf.

"The choice in favor of ODF doesn't exclude anybody. I fail to see why
authorities cannot use Microsoft Office" said Ruud Vriens, CEO of RedNose
and a founding member of the OpenDoc Society.

He points to plug-ins such as one developed by Sun Microsystems that enable
the use of ODF in Office 12. Microsoft and Novell are working on another plug-in.
"There is also no reason not to use .Net with this plan, since ODF-compatibility
has been ensured with software.”

"This plan is not about Microsoft, it's about ensuring the perpetual availability
of data without any obstacles. Currently there are issues with OpenXML, they
aren't an official ISO-standard yet. And the way they tried to get the specification
certified is questionable at least," charged Vriens. "We would like
to encourage Microsoft to join our ranks by becoming a participating member
of our society. That would enable us to work with them to ensure an innovative
and durable future so they can remain open for business."

» posted by abennett

WebWereld Netherlands

• Email
• Print
• Share
  • Slashdot
  • Digg
  • Stumble
  • Reddit
  • Newsvine