Microsoft lost out to IBM and Sun Microsystem led ODF alliance in its battle to get ISO standardization for OOXML. BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) voted “NO” for ooxml. While internationally the vote didn’t carry much weightage but in India it had become a huge issue between the tech majors. While so far there isn’t any comment from the ODF side, Microsoft said “We respect the decision taken by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) appointed committee. At the same time, it is important to note that all the BIS members unanimously support the need for multiple standards. Going forward, we will work with the BIS and the committee members on the comments noted during the ballot resolution process.”

It also said “Open XML, a recognized standard by ECMA International already, currently being considered in the ISO voting process, is a response to evolving technology formats in line with continual evolving technology systems. Multiple standards enable users to have choice among formats while facilitating greater flexibility and interoperability amongst diverse technology solutions that exist today. Additionally, multiple standards stimulate innovation by encouraging developers to choose a technical standard that best meets their needs with respect to a chosen application.”

Yesterday amidst a meeting in Manak Bhawan, the 21-member technical committee decided that India will vote a ‘no’ against Microsoft’s Open Office Extensible Mark Up Language (OOXML) standard at the International Standards Organisation (ISO) in Geneva on September 2.

September 2 is the last date to submit the vote with comments to ISO. A total of 123 counties are participating in the vote. India too is a P (participating) member in ISO. According to reports Canada, Czech Republic, Iran, Japan, Libya, Cuba, New Zealand, UK are likely to back the IBM-Sun’s ODF Alliance. On the other hand, Belgium, Finland, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Singapore, Korea, France and Australia are likely to abstain from voting. The clear picture will only emerge on the 2nd September