I note that Stephen McGibbon has an interesting post that compares the ballot outcomes at this stage in the process for DIS29500 (Open XML) and IS26300 (ODF).
I have borrowed one of the graphs from his site which I feel shows that there is substantially more activity and support in the global ISO process for the work around Open XML than we have seen previously, it would be interesting to draw this same graph for all of the many previous document formats that have been ratified by ISO and look at the overall long term trend.
Obviously the graph also shows the role of the countries that have put forwards their comments with a disapprove vote, it is the diversity of views and the passion for this work that will drive the high quality bar that we all want to see as DIS29500 moves towards final approval.
Personally, I am less interested in a direct comparison with any one standard, I find the net overall effect of the current process to be the fascinating point.
It is very encouraging for the industry as a whole to see this debate around document standards, archiving and related functionality so widely discussed with so many diverse individuals and organizations coming to the table though the facilitation that ISO standardization delivers.
On a personal level this process has given me the time and the opportunity to have very full and frank discussions with groups who I would not normally have had the opportunity meet with in so much depth, or on such an equal and well facilitated basis. Every one of these conversations has been robust, well researched and rewarding.
If you’re interested in reading a little more of Stephen’s breakdown then I would encourage you to jump over to his post.