WordprocessingML (also known as WordML and Microsoft Office Word 2003 XML Reference Schemas) is the XML schema for Microsoft Word. Microsoft announced it has opened its schemas, and made it possible to create a program for reading and creating them under an open source license in part to comply with the Massachusetts decision to mandate the use of open document formats and the Valoris report for the European Union s Telematics between Administrations Committee (TAC), see the Groklaw link in the External links section.

=SpreadsheetML=

SpreadsheetML is the XML schema for Microsoft Excel 2003

=DataDiagramingML=

DataDiagramingML is the XML schema for Microsoft Office 2003

=FormTemplate=

FormTemplate is the XML schema for Microsoft InfoPath 2003

=Criticisms=

Use of this format is controversial. Many analysts report that Microsoft s license for the format is [http://blogs.msdn.com/brian_jones/archive/2005/09/22/472826.aspx incompatible with common licenses used for open source software], such as the GPL license, because of various obligations included in their license. In addition, Microsoft has applied for various related patents, leaving many concerned that Microsoft will later reveal a patent and force any competitor using the format to cease (leaving customers stuck with only a single alternative if they chose to have documents saved in this format). Many governments have standing policies to encourage (and not inhibit) competition, and choosing a format with such restrictions is thus controversial in those governments.

Many believe that WordprocessingML specs are a work in progress and many important aspects are still undocumented, or are defined in a binary only form (e.g. Object linking and embedding and VBA) and those lack complete documentation. Although Microsoft has pledged to complete the specs, some people fear this will never fully happen given Microsoft s track record in revealing their internal information.

Microsoft has refused so far to submit the format to an independent standard body. This is in contrast with the OpenDocument specification which was publicly developed in OASIS by multiple suppliers and users and is expected to be submitted to the ISO standard body. In addition, OpenDocument can be implemented by anyone, without restriction. For more information about public policy controversies regarding this format, see the section on OpenDocument.

=See also=

*List of document markup languages *Comparison of document markup languages

=External links=