XML is not open by nature, but only provided good design

MySQL, which is Free software, appears to be gradually embracing XML functionality for input and output, none of which involves mysterious binaries.

The unification of XML and SQL relational data has taken another significant step forward recently with the introduction of significant new XML functionality in mySQL, the world’s most popular open source database.

As for Microsoft, nobody falls for its sham quite so easily. Technical assessors can see that Microsoft's XML is operating system-dependent and contains undocumented binaries. As such, Microsoft resorts to deception and bribery.

It might not matter much for Microsoft to get its format ISO standard as almost 95 per cent of the users are dependent on its Office suite; but to get government customer they do need the certification, hence the whole fight. Even there was a case reported in Sweden where some alleged Microsoft employees bribed to vote in OOXML's favour. Later, Sweden withdrew itself from the voting.

If Microsoft cared about open formats, it would have supported OpenDocument Format. It was, after all, invited to join unification attempts. Instead:

"Microsoft has to innovate beyond standard protocols."

--Ed Muth, enterprise group manager, Microsoft

As we stated yesterday, OOXML is all about money, not openness. ⬆