Zaheda Bhorat, Google's Open Source Programs Manager, has reiterated Google's position that Microsoft's Open Office XML (OOXML) 'doesn't meet the criteria required for a globally-accepted standard.' The comment comes as the deadline approaches for ISO member bodies around the world to possibly revise their September 2007 vote, when the original submission to ISO of OOXML as an additional international standard was defeated.

"After further technical analysis of the specification along with all the additional data available on OOXML," Bhorat asserts on the Official Google Blog, "Google believes OOXML would be an insufficient and unnecessary standard, designed purely around the needs of Microsoft Office."

Of the Open Document Format (ODF), the standard supported by Google, Bhorat notes:

"ODF is supported and implemented across the globe, and its communal creation and iteration has helped ensure the transparency, consistency and interoperability necessary in a workable standard."

"A document standards decision may not matter to you today, but as someone who relies on constant access to editable documents, spreadsheets and presentations, it may matter immensely in the near future."

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