[Date Prev][Date Next] [Thread Prev][Thread Next] [Date Index] [Thread Index]

Re: RTF - proprietary or open?



[Back on list]

On Mon, 25 Jun 2007 15:42:39 +0100
Peter Hillier-Brook <phb@hbsys.plus.com> wrote:

> Celejar wrote:
> > I'm using Abiword, which recommends using RTF for document exchange
> > with non-Abi users.  I'm trying to understand whether RTF is an open
> > standard.  Wikipedia [0] claims that it's proprietary.  This article
> > [1] points out that it has the same status as PDF.  I can't imagine
> > that Abi would recommend a non-open standard, and even prefer it to ODF
> > (OASIS / XML) [2].  What does it even mean for a file format to be
> > open? That the creator can't restrict its use? That the spec has been
> > published?
> 
> See here.
> http://www.answers.com/topic/rtf?cat=technology
> 
> It's a Microsoft "standard". Draw your own conclusions regarding "open".

I'd certainly suspect MS, but its authorship is insufficient reason to
conclude that it isn't open. 

> Peter HB

Celejar
--
mailmin.sourceforge.net - remote access via secure (OpenPGP) email
ssuds.sourceforge.net - A Simple Sudoku Solver and Generator



Reply to: