| MP "Shocked" By BSI U-Turn Rumour |
| Wednesday, 02 April 2008 | |
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Liberal Democrat MP for Southport John Pugh says he is "shocked" by recent rumours surrounding The British Standards Institute's stance on Microsofts embattled OOXML format. Source close to the BSI have suggested that the institute is set to approve the format as an international standard - a turnaround from their previous position which Dr Pugh describes as "highly surprising if true".
"I was under the impression that OOXML remains a somewhat unpopular format in some quarters, and one that is still plagued by many of the problems which prevented the ISO from endorsing it last September" commented the MP this morning. "If it's true that the BSI have indeed reversed their position, then I will be very interested in hearing their explanation for this - especially as any endorsement of OOXML would appear to be in stark contrast to a large number of peoples current assessment of the format." "I was also under the impression that the IST/41 panel responsible for reviewing this issue was essentially an advisory body, designed to procure a consensus of opinion before making it's recommendation to the BSI committee who will then decide the UK vote. Again, I have to say that I myself am far from convinced that any consensus as to the merits of OOXML exists within the IT community at present, and would be greatly interested to hear the BSI's explanations if they are claiming to have found one." The MP also reiterated his interest in following this issue to its conclusion, and said he would be contacting Mike Low, Director of the BSI, to discuss the issue further over the coming days: "If the BSI are indeed planning on making such a radical U-turn then their justifications for this should make interesting reading. When a body designed to collate public opinion comes up with a conclusion that is seemingly in such radical contrast to the views commonly held, then they should be required to provide a rigorous and comprehensive explanation - something I intend to seek from them should these rumours prove true." |