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---------------------------- Original Message ---------------------------- Subject: Open Document Format From: markw at mohawksoft.com Date: Wed, October 26, 2005 1:26 pm To: cis at sec.state.ma.us -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mark L. Woodward 80 Clapp Street Milton, MA 02186 Dear Mr. Galvin I understand you are opposed to Massachusetts adopting open document formats. I think this position is one that is poorly considered. Personally, I can't understand why an open document format requirement has not come sooner. Massachusetts is one of the technology leaders in the country and should do better. On the )B?pro open format? side of the argument, we have the assurance that public documents remain accessible. We laws like the DMCA which may make it illegal to read documents with the use of a reverse engineered document reader. This alone may make it illegal to read public documents, the end result being that the state does not own its own data. There is no real argument for proprietary formats. Cost? this is not a factor as there are multiple options for very capable office packages that do support the open standards that are free or reasonably priced. Compatibility? proprietary formats are designed to reduce compatibility. HTML is a great example of how open document formats make software vendors irrelevant, reduce cost, and ensure access to information. I have working in the software industry for a long time, and I have seen too many times when Microsoft has used its money and influence to alter public policy to the detriment of the public good. Do not cave to these criminals. Open document formats are important, today in 2005 and in the future. Also, this message was composed on OpenOffice.org 2.0. An office package that supports OpenDocument format, costs nothing, and is publicly available. Mark L. Woodward
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