Replies

I agree with the author.

I disagree with the author, which means I must disagree with you as well, though more respectfully. Whereas the technowinnies are all excited about this, a 'blow' against Microsoft, it isn't. All that will happen here is that Massachusetts is forcing Microsoft join a standard that it wasn't totally against in the first place.

This will be a minimal cost change for Microsoft (note, they only have to be compatible with OpenDocument, not use it as 'native' - IE able to write and read these documents.) and I, as a consumer, will gain from it. And it won't be just Microsoft who will make the change, but virtually every vendor because they don't want to get locked out of any options.

The geeks are excited about the idea of Linux on every desktop; whee - not going to happen in any state. To do so would devalue the positions of those who have picked up fancy certificates from training courses they convinced their supervisors (and ultimately the taxpayers) to pay for. The system won't change because the system is supported by those who created it.

And yes, we're a multilingual household. Apple, Linux and Microsoft boxes; each shines in different respects, though the Linux box needs serious rebuilding. (I am not impressed how fast Linspire broke down. Shouldn't have done it, should have just stuck with Mepis. Ahh well.)

Whereas the technowinnies are all excited about this, a 'blow' against Microsoft, it isn't.

Totally agree. A third party will probably come in and add this functionality through a module. I've already heard the hard ass at MA is set to retire here soon anyway, just like a lib, mess it all up then bail.

The geeks are excited about the idea of Linux on every desktop; whee - not going to happen in any state.

Roger that again. Simply too hard for the average Joe, who can't even keep their Windows boxes working all the time or get their plug and play devices or software to work right either. They're not going to care too much for open office if they've been using the real thing much either.