Microsoft Awaits Vote Results On Open XML Standardization

If the file format does not become a standard, some governments could shy away from using Open XML — and therefore, potentially, Microsoft Office.

After years of wrangling, Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT)’s Office Open XML file formats are set to gain or lose approval as international standards. The ballots are in and being counted, but the world won’t know the verdict of the International Standards Organization until Wednesday.

The voting ended over the weekend, and it’s not clear exactly what is delaying the results. A total of 87 national standards bodies are voting. In at least one case, Steve Pepper, chairman of Norway’s committee on the approval of Open XML is reported to have filed a formal protest with his country’s yes vote, citing “serious irregularities” with the vote.

Read more: informationweek.com