[Fsfe-uk] PM petition to adopt Open Document Format at National Archives (instead of MS XML)

[Jon Grant]

http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page16957

"The National Archives does not currently plan to convert any records
to Microsoft Office Open XML format."

Seems to counter earlier announcements they made:

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/news/stories/164.htm

"The ongoing collaboration will also see The National Archives further
its innovative approach to sustaining the nation´s digital heritage,
by contributing their expertise and insight in digital preservation
towards the development of future releases of Microsoft products.
Having addressed some of the key format sustainability issues through
the implementation of the Ecma Open XML format in its latest products,
the announcement represents a further step in Microsoft´s commitment
to digital preservation."

Not surprising that Adam Farquhar, Head of eArchitecture at the
British Library is maintaining his independence by being co-chair of
the Microsoft Office OpenXML standards committee. Does he also have a
job with Microsoft?

Jon