Microsoft is all about ballot screens and options these days, at least in Europe. Even as individuals there are about to get the chance to try out different Web browsers (the European Commission was concerned the bundling of Windows and Internet Explorer had created a monopoly), they should also get to pick between Office Open XML formats and OpenDocument formats.
Specifically, versions of Office 2010 due to be released in June are what will present this choice to users. Tom Warren reports that Microsoft will say with regards to Office Open XML formats, “Choose this option to set your defaults to use the file format designed to support all the features of Microsoft Office.”
Then, with respect to OpenDocument formats, the company will suggest, “Choose this option to set your defaults to use the ODF file formats designed to support the features of third-party productivity applications that also implement ODF. Many features of Microsoft Office are supported by ODF but some content or editability may be lost upon save.”
Whatever the users select will become the default in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word (although they’ll be allowed to change their minds later).
Of course, the situation may change before June rolls around, as not everyone’s happy with these descriptions and the fact that OpenDocument formats are presented as the second selection.
