Expert: Fast-track ISO bid for OOXML is fair

A European standards expert has defended the move to fast-track the ISO approval process for Microsoft's Open XML (OOXML) document standard, dismissing criticisms that the decision to do so is flawed and unfair. He advised governments against mandating just one document standard as it may run foul of polices set by the World Trade Organization (WTO), opening themselves to possible legal challenges. "One of the big concerns of the WTO is that you should not use standards as a barrier to trade," he said. "If a government enforces [the use of one standard], that would mean the whole country is not allowed to use OOXML. They could get into a very difficult legal situation as this could be challenged legally," noted van den Beld.

[Wow. So much FUD and it's only Tuesday morning. These are straight bald-faced lies. Expect a lot more OOXML news and FUD in the coming week. It's the last week until the ISO (re-)vote. - Sander]