The Emergence of the Digital Home
Single standards can do small jobs, but it takes a village of standards (and standard setting organizations) to enable a Digital Home.
Details Begin to Emerge on ECIS v. Microsoft EU Complaint
Late last week the European Committee for Interoperable Systems (ECIS) filed a complaint in the EU against Microsoft, alleging anticompetitive behavior. That complaint was kept confidential, but additional details are now being (gradually) released.
It’s Now a Two Front War: The ODF Allies Launch an Offensive in Europe
Until now, the action on ODF vs. the Microsoft XML Reference Schema has focused on Massachusetts. In the last two days, however, the supporters of ODF have launched an offensive in Europe - making it now a two-front war.
ODF or Microsoft XML Reference Schema? Don’t Forget About Adobe PDF
Adobe PDF has tended to be a footnote in the ODF story to date, principally figuring into the saga by presenting a somewhat troubling question: did the Massachusetts Information Technology Division (ITD) draw too fine a distinction in saying "no" to the Microsoft XML Reference Schema (especially after Microsoft agreed to make modifications to its license terms) while saying "yes" to Adobe PDF? But an interview with Adobe CEO Bruce Chizen indicates that Adobe's control of PDF - and now Flash - may give it a far bigger role from the desktop to mobile devices in the future than ODF may give any other vendor.
Micron Sues Rambus (after all, it was their turn)
George Harrison wrote of the "Sue me - Sue You Blues." Rambus, Micron, Infineon and Samsung have been singing that one for years, and today Micron Technologies began a new verse, with its latest suit against Rambus. It all relates to a JEDEC standard setting initiative from the early 1990s, but it has reshaped standard setting.
Open Source Business Conference West, Open Standards and Open Source
On Wednesday I moderated a panel at the Open Source Business Conference in San Francisco. Gavin Clark at The Register.com titled his story about the session "Microsoft ignites idea of independent versions of Office" and subtitled it "Rivals Flame Redmond." That's a bit overwrought, but it was an interesting session none the less.
The Globe Ombudsman Responds
Yesterday I reported on the December 12 promise by the Boston Globe's ombudsman to look into how the story that contributed to the resignation of Massachusetts CIO Peter Quinn, and the fact that nothing had been heard since. Last night I got a response.
When the Ombudsman Becomes Part of the Story
It was on December 12, 2005 that Boston Globe ombudsman Richard Chacon promised to investigate how the article by Steve Kurkjian that helped to drive Peter Quinn from office came to be written. What's happened since then? As the reporters say, "Repeated requests for comment have remained unanswered"
Peter Quinn Tells it Like it Was
Peter Quinn is out on the hustings telling his story, and for the first time has posted his slide show for public view. Here's what he has to say.
What’s in a Name? Ecma, C++/CLI and Microsoft’s XML Reference Schema
C++/CLI, like the XML Reference Schema, was submitted by Microsoft to Ecma for adoption as a standard and fast-tracking through ISO for global adoption. Last week, it hit a bump in the road.