All Things Microsoft > Microsoft as a Company
Massachusetts set to switch off Microsoft
worker201:
--- Quote from: Aloone_Jonez ---Doesn't the same apply to MS Office file formats?
--- End quote ---
I think it does, but Microsoft won't release the complete specification, while Adobe has released the complete specification for PDF. So some Office functionality and compatibility has to be guessed at, and they usually guess wrong. That's why I use rtf for word processor docs, because rtf is the same in any program.
mobrien_12:
--- Quote from: KernelPanic ---Closed, but an industry standard.
--- End quote ---
Incorrect.
The PDF specification is completely published and anyone can use it (read the licence). Adobe retains control over the specification. Thus you or I can't change it, but we can write our own software that uses it. Adobe even allows you to use sample code in the spec.
PDF is an open standard because all details are visible and everyone can use it: no royalties, no stupid patent encumberances that MS is fond of, just an open standard.
I researched this when I was writing my web page.
KernelPanic:
Perhaps some clarification is needeed here, the PDF spec is readily available at Adobe's website.
What I meant was that Adobe created and own PDF and that the format was not the result of any industry body/group/committee/thinktank.
KernelPanic:
--- Quote from: Aloone_Jonez ---Doesn't the same apply to MS Office file formats?
--- End quote ---
No, Microsoft are notorious for making it difficult to interoperate with their formats.
However, AFAIK, they are moving towards an XML basis for their new Office suite. This (hopefully) means that their formats will be less obfuscated and we can all enjoy better compatibility between our Office program and the guy's in Head Office.
FYI, OOo uses a compresses XML format for their file formats.
I think that if they work it right, the affinity for XML and .NET etc. in Microsoftworld can work in favour of the open competitiors.
skyman8081:
The PDF model of openness, for me, is the ideal one.
There can be a collaboration. but only one company controls the spec. So there will always be one pdf format that can be used. ever.
No forking, no "Is this the right kind of PDF", no excuses.
I like openness when it isn't used as a crutch for laziness.
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