Allegations of Microsoft Influencing Vote on OpenXML in Sweden
The Swedish Standards Institute (SiS) has approved the inclusion of Microsoft's Office OpenXML as an ISO standard. The Swedish Society for Free Information Culture (Förening för en fri informationsinfrastruktur), FFII, alleges that Microsoft influenced the vote via its Swedish partner corporations.
The report by the FFII states that, shortly before the vote, 23 new members appeared at an SiS meeting. Around 20 of them were Microsoft partners, says FFII. Whereas the mood among members had previously been dismissive, the result of the subsequent vote was a clear "Yes". As a member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Sweden thus recommends the adoption of Office OpenXML as an ISO standard.
The new members had not participated in a single session of the committee responsible for the decision, says the FFII. Of the 23 new members, 19 had applied for membership after August 23, FFII member David Vuorio writes in his blog.
ISO members are currently voting on the adoption of Office OpenXML into the standard.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
PwnEscape Poses VM Vulnerability
A guest-to-host escape flaw in Linux KVM, named PwnEscape, might be yet another means of attacking Linux.
-
Linux Mint 27 Set for a Christmas Release
The developers behind Linux Mint have announced a Christmas release, and it looks like Santa's sack will be brimming with features.
-
Is Linus Torvalds Vibe Coding?
The creator of Linux has added AI into his process for Linux kernel development, and it's more than just for debugging.
-
openKylin 3.0 Released with Expanded AI Integration
The latest release features a pre-installed AI agent to help perform tasks.
-
DigitalOcean Ends Open Source Credits Program
In a change that has surprised many open source developers, DigitalOcean has decided to sunset its Open Source Credits Program.
-
Office 365 Available for Testing on Linux via Bottles
Linux users can now test the official Office 365, thanks to Mirko Brombin's work on Bottles.
-
Dutch Government Turns to Open Source for Digital Sovereignty
Following in the footsteps of other European countries, the Netherlands is looking to increase its sovereign digital infrastructure with open source software.
-
Linux May Soon Work on Snapdragon X2-Based PCs
If you're thinking about buying a Snapdragon X2-based desktop or laptop, Linux may soon be an option.
-
KDE for People Initiative Calls for AI Ban in Plasma
A new community of KDE wants the project to adopt a strict no-AI policy for KDE Plasma.
-
KDE Sets Ambitious Goals for 2026 and Beyond
KDE Connect reveals the goals for the Linux desktop darling, with one of those goals long overdue.