Chris Caposella (or ChrisCap as he is known inside Microsoft), has written an open letter giving Microsoft’s perspective on the future of document formats.
I've chosen to highlight this section (my links and emphasis):-
Supporting Multiple File Formats
Today, Microsoft Office supports multiple document formats including standards-based HTML and Rich Text Format (RTF). With the 2007 Microsoft Office release, we’ve added support for publishing in the PDF and XML Paper Specification (XPS) formats through free downloadable add-ins.
In addition, we’ve recently announced support for an open source project to create a format translation tool between Open XML and the OpenDocument Format (ODF). This translation tool will also be available via a free download. Although file translation may not result in perfect document fidelity because of format and product differences, it is the most effective way to offer interoperability in a world where multiple file formats will need to coexist.
Microsoft has also made extensive investments to make it easy for customers using older versions of Microsoft Office to take advantage of the new Open XML formats. Office 2000, Office XP and Office 2003 users can update their products free of charge through compatibility packs and tools, so that they will not be required to upgrade to get the benefits of using the new Open XML formats.
Meeting the Needs of Public Sector Organizations
[omitted para]
Microsoft believes that public sector organizations have a lot to gain from the rapid evolution to open, XML-based documents. We encourage public sector organizations to move to XML file formats but not to mandate a particular format or implementation. There will be many different XML formats around the world, and organizations should be able to pick the right one for them based on the principles of choice, competition, interoperability and the value delivered for each project. We believe strongly that public sector organizations should keep their options open in the fast-paced area of XML innovation, with vendor-neutral purchasing policies that enable agencies to choose the most appropriate technology for their needs, while establishing guidelines for interoperability.
I think this is good news for Public Sector customers who have come under some fairly intense lobbying from the ODF community. Doubtless Sun and IBM will find cause for complaint, but their arguments are becoming increasingly disingenuous.
