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[perkiset]

Well, perhaps. In an interesting ruling today, a judge decided that M$ has been violating a patent on XML file read/writes with the docx (et al) format. Ordered M$ to stop selling Word within 60 days. Wow. Of course, all they need to do is clip the docx extension and they're all good, but this will certainly ruffle so feathers.

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/08/12/judge_orders_microsoft_to_stop_selling_word.html

[rcjordan]

I had problems with docx last year when I hired freelance writers.

Problem solved (Win OS)  http://www.nativewindsofmontana.com/software/docx2rtf.html

[KaptainKrayola]

<nelson> HA-HA! *points at microsoft </nelson>

[DangerMouse]

Whilst I'm usually happy to laugh at M$'s expense in this instance I don't really see any value in the legal action - all it does it put money in lawyers pockets and serves no real practical purpose.

Personally I think Office, particularly Word and Excel are best of breed apps and although I don't like the virtual monopoly they have, its hard to deny that they haven't earnt the position - I'm sure you guys remember Lotus 123.

DM

[perkiset]

Actually I built and taught a class on Lotus 1-2-3 when it first came out, used our existing VisiCalc curriculum to do it LOL.

Agree that it serves no purpose except to line the pockets of lawyers, my only joy here is that docx has caused me just a whole buncha problems, as well has the complete redesign of the GUI with PC-2007 and Mac-2008. They were best of breed a long time ago. They should focus on not being buggy, not being vulnerable and making things easier rather than tossing the salad and screwing everyone up.

[isthisthingon]

Good riddance 

Here's an update with some juicy Monoposoft emails clearly revealing their Borg-like intention to crush everything that won't assimilate: http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/081709-microsoft-planned-to-bury-xml.html?source=NWWNLE_nlt_daily_pm_2009-08-17

"We saw [i4i's products] some time ago, and met its creators," said Sawicki in the Jan. 23, 2003, e-mail. "Word 11 [Word 2003] will make it obsolete. It looks great for XP though." 
"My main concern with i4i is that if we do the work properly, there won't be a need for their product" 

Here's a toast to the much needed referees of capitalism