From: David Clark [mailto:DClark@joneswaldo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 23,
2007 7:03 PM
Subject: OpenSource Document
format standards
All:
I am writing to all of you
in regards to Open Document standards. I am not a large linux user,
but understand the ramifications of the decisions that are before you.
OpenDocument is apparently a standard already in the XML document standard.
I understand that Microsoft is trying to fast track their OOXML standard.
As legal users, we understand
the ramifications of 2 different document standards, starting with Wordperfect,
and moving to Microsoft Office. While the preponderance of users may agree
that the Microsoft Office Document Standard was improved over the Wordperfect
standard (many will disagree with that) I think it would be imperative
to slow your process down and let things take a more natural course.
I think it is foolhardy to accept Microsofts standard just for the simple
fact that they are Microsoft. We've learned that the hard way.
My experience has shown that
migrating from one format to another format just because everyone else does
is fraught with problems. I was a legal integrator for many years
during the large firm migration from Wordperfect to Word. It was not
a pretty site. And simply because everyone had to do it.
Please make sure to take the
necessary time to really determine the validity of Microsofts Open Document
standard. If it is in fact the better solution, industry will adopt
it one way or the other.
Sincerely yours
David Clark
IT Director
Jones Waldo
801-534-7370