The Happy State of (ODF implementation in) Massachusetts

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Boston, Massachusetts are half a world apart in distance, but side by side in their commitment to adopt ODF. There is an excellent Web site named Open Malaysia http://www.openmalaysiablog.com/ that provides ongoing coverage about ODF in that country and throughout the Pacific Rim that you can visit to learn more. Sad to say, however, I am hearing from Malaysia that those who are working to see ODF adopted as a Malaysian National Standard are being confronted with the same tactics there that were so pervasive here a year ago, including the dissemination of a great deal of misinformation. I've been asked as a result to provide a recap of the Massachusetts experience, focusing on whether it has succeeded or failed, and on what the consequences have been for those in government that have supported the effort along the way.

For a change, I'll adopt the question and answer approach that Stephen O'Grady uses so effectively at his blog to provide a historical synopsis and an update on where things stand today.

Q: Is ODF adoption proceeding on schedule in Massachusetts?

A: Yes. I spoke with someone in the Information Technology Division (ITD) late last week, and was assured that the adoption plan described in the Mid-Year Statement Regarding ODF Implementation issued on August 23, 2006 remains on course and on schedule.

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