Open Standards, Open Source Adoption in the Public Sector, and Their Relationship to Microsoft’s Market Dominance

STANDARDS EDGE: UNIFIER OR DIVIDER?, Sherrie Bolin, ed., p. 87, Sheridan Books, 2006

13 Pages Posted: 10 Aug 2010

See all articles by Tony Casson

Tony Casson

University of Colorado at Boulder, Interdisciplinary Telecommunications Program

Patrick Spaulding Ryan Ph.D.

Berkeley Law; Stanford University

Date Written: May 1, 2006

Abstract

This paper examines (1) recent decisions to implement open standards and open source software, (2) Microsoft’s current response to these decisions, and (3) the possible effect of these decisions on Microsoft’s market dominance. In particular, this paper compares and contrasts the Microsoft Open XML standard with the OASIS OpenDocument standard. It also considers some recent government announcements to adopt open source solutions, including OpenDocument. Furthermore, the paper analyzes Microsoft’s previous approach to open standards, its refusal to support OpenDocument in favor of its own Open XML format, and its recent decision to submit Open XML to a standards body for certification. Our study concludes that, while Microsoft will likely continue to maintain its market dominance, the open source and open document movements will benefit consumers and create a more competitive environment.

Keywords: Open Source, OpenDocument, Microsoft, XML

Suggested Citation

Casson, Tony and Ryan, Patrick, Open Standards, Open Source Adoption in the Public Sector, and Their Relationship to Microsoft’s Market Dominance (May 1, 2006). STANDARDS EDGE: UNIFIER OR DIVIDER?, Sherrie Bolin, ed., p. 87, Sheridan Books, 2006, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1656616

Tony Casson

University of Colorado at Boulder, Interdisciplinary Telecommunications Program ( email )

Boulder, CO
United States

Patrick Ryan (Contact Author)

Berkeley Law ( email )

United States
303-669-5710 (Phone)

Stanford University ( email )

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