Working @ Disco Technologies

Suddenly, a flurry of OOXML-ODF related news « CyberTech Rambler Fourth. We may in fact, never see a full implementation of ISO OOXML. Microsoft already said that it will support ODF 1.1, not ISO ODF (version 1.0). That is a correct technical decision, since ODF 1.1 is the norm today. Superimpose this tread of thinking [...]

Standards attorney Andy Updegrove announced the creation of the Hague Declaration recently. The Hague Declaration is a statement of human rights on the Internet. But it is more. Without being overly verbose about it, the Declaration also promotes free software, where “free” is not about the price of the software, but about the freedom that [...]

Alfresco VP Matt Asay responds to an article in eCommerce Times. He points out that SMBs should be using open source software, when it meets their needs, and that hosted software (SaaS) eliminates the need for the business’ owner and staffers to act as an IT department: What could possibly be better for an SMB [...]

Since I converted my own last remaining Windows machine to Linux, I have been continually amazed by the capabilities that I’m finding. There was a time when one of the big issues you had to deal with when you changed operating systems was compatibility with peripherals–cameras, graphics tablets, printers, sound equipment, scanners, even monitors–but for [...]

I have spent the past few days trying to get a co-worker’s new Toshiba laptop, powered by Microsoft’s Windows Vista, set up. Being over 2700 miles away from home (and even further for my co-worker), it is essential that the laptop works with the hotel’s WiFi network. While my Dell, powered by Linux Mint, works [...]

In ancient times, one of the weapons that soldiers used was the spear. The good thing about a spear is that it gave the ability to repeatedly hurt your enemy (enemies) before the enemy could get into sword range. Microsoft is looking in its rearview mirror, terrified at the approaching juggernaut that is FLOSS. As [...]

Many times, companies may wish to leave the dominant platform (that is, operating system, office suite, Web browser, and other associated software) because of such problems as spyware and virus/trojan/worm infections. At the same time, they may wish to continue to enable non-technical users to perform their duties. If this describes your company, we have [...]

California and AB-1668: Why Do We Need It? I have discussed the general politics of why California needs quick passage of AB-1668. It simply makes good social, political, and economic policy. I want to speak to the impact on smaller businesses, and why I believe that small businesses in California stand to gain in the [...]

As Reverend Ted points out,  the market for desktop operating systems contains more than just Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS X. The question is how to make this apparent to the world around us. Microsoft, of course, has staked out a position as the stuffy businessperson. Apple has staked out a position as the [...]

Erwin Tanenbaum reports that another German city is moving to the OpenOffice.org suite. He reports that the switch to OOo will save around a half-million Euros over a two-year period as compared to migrating to Microsoft Office 2007. Given the fact that smaller businesses have fewer resources to begin with, those of us who work [...]