The size matters; especially in Romania :(

OK, so on 24th March the Document Freedom Day was celebrated. I was pleasantly surprised to see that at least 3 Romanian groups promoted the event in the country.

My joy didn’t last too long. Today I learned that, again, Romania is voting for OOXML. I’ve been following very carefully all the debates related to ODF and OOXML on one of the most serious IT Romanian forums (TIC-Lobby), and was happy to see Romanians identifying the traps and misleading ‘promises’ OOXML brings. I was sure this time they were going to vote the right way. Wrong! It seems that ASRO (The Romanian Standardization Association) – which in this vote was comprised of 26 organizations representatives – decided that Romania is for OOXML. I have to stop and wonder: are these 26 organizations representing the variety and depth of public opinion? The whole economical and technical spectrum of an entire Country? How is that possible?

A good picture I found on the web. I would name it – “The size matters”

I found this article pretty interesting and pretty self explanatory. Although the author is playing with suppositions, I would suggest you read, think and decide for yourself. What is your common sense saying? “Romania says yes to OOXML once again” Also, I have found two excellent articles about open formats and Open Source in general. Even if you’re not in IT, it’s well worth your while to read it. Mircea Sarbu is one of the most respected and trusted IT specialists I’ve met in Romania. Well done Mircea! The articles are only in Romanian, unfortunately (or fortunately, so all the Romanians will understand it).

“De facto si de jure“
“Open Source ca afacere“

Last but not least, I’d like to pass on an important and timely note: Louis Suarez-Potts, the OpenOffice.org Community Manager and probably one of the most knowledgeable person in the ODF/OOXML dispute, is coming to speak at eLiberatica this spring. Barbara Held from European Union will be there, too. I hope the Romanians will take this chance and understand clearly what this ODF/OOXML war is about. And why it matters for everybody. And especially for them.

# Dorianon 11 Apr 2008 at 9:25 am

Dear Lucian, I’ve found your article absolutely true, since I live in Romania, and just as an observer, not as an IT specialist (because I’m not, I’m just one of those people who enjoy using Open Source software because they understood the meanings of it and the technical aspects, production, stability, customization and so on), and I’ve noticed without my microscope and glasses that people are pro ODF and actively use the standard, but they are not the ones to decide. This is not a premiere in Romania, many things have been rejected by people and yet they are still actively around.
So, with all do respect for the creators of “Twilight Zone”, that’s just a simple kids’ cartoon if we consider the FACTS in Romania.
I looked at the list of members of this ASRO (http://aranea.zuavra.net/index.php/97/#ig-4), come on, half of them have contracts with Microsoft or are not-declared partisans, some of them already deliver notebooks and PC Desktops along with Microsoft operating systems, others are producing software for the same company (I hate repeating that name), others are just ready to be in a coalition with MS and so on, plus, of course Microsoft corporation itself. What result could we expect from that?
And yet, my heart is warm for a fact: I know a lot of people who are into Open Source software, and I know what the communities want ODF as a standard and using it, which is important no matter what they will decide.
Perhaps I’m an idealist, but it’s a fact that most of the analysts say Open Source will take over soon or later (http://publicrelations.ro/analyst-admits-open-source-will-quietly-take-over/)

# Lucian Savlucon 11 Apr 2008 at 10:26 am

Hi Dorian,

I strongly hope at eLiberatica this year, Louis Suarez-Potts, who is the OpenOffice.org Community Manager, will put some light on the ODF/OOXML discussion.
And I hope to have some Microsoft representatives at the event too, so each side will have the chance to present their opinions and have open and peaceful debates.

Related to Open Source, I share again the same opinion with you: there is no way to avoid it – this is the progress – sooner or later all will understand why is necessary: it is for the good of all society not only for a few.

Hope to meet you at the conference. Cheers, Lucian