Microsoft: Did you think this whole OOXML thing was over?

Unfortunately, despite the April 2 press release from the International Standards Organization (ISO) reporting that the ECMA/Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) standard for document formats, popularly known as OOXML, has been voted in, we now start a 60-day period when appeals can be filed. After one is filed (is there any doubt?), the appeals process can go on for many additional months, and through four levels of the ISO.

What are typical grounds (quoting from ISO rules:)

11.1.2 A P-member of JTC 1 or an SC may appeal against any action, or inaction, on the part of JTC 1 or an SC when the P-member considers that such action or inaction is:
• Not in accordance with these directives; or
• Not in the best interests of international trade and commerce, or such public factors as safety, health or environment.
11.1.3 Matters under appeal may be either technical or administrative in nature. Appeals on decisions concerning NPs, CDs and DISs are only eligible for consideration if:
• Questions of principle are involved;
• The contents of a draft may be detrimental to the reputation of IEC or ISO; or
• The point giving rise to objection was not known to JTC 1 or SC during earlier discussions.

Does all this hogwash in bold sound familiar. Were Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG), IBM's (NYSE:IBM), Red Hat's (NYSE:RHAT) and Sun's (NASDAQ:JAVA) executives and lawyers building the record for appeal all along with their rabble rousing of the blogosphere?

What a collosal waste for shareholders for all companies concerned.

-- Dennis Byron