The objects of their objection

The most common stated objection is an overlap between Open XML and the alternative Open Document Format (ODF) for Office Applications format, which was already ratified by ISO last May. Several countries actually suggested "harmonizing" ODF with Open XML to make them more interoperable.

Other commonly-cited objections include patent violations by Open XML, the allowance of only 30 days for countries to review Ecma's 6,000+ page proposal, and specific issues related to how Open XML operates technically.

Ecma's rebuttal of each of the cited objections and contradictions was also released on Wednesday by ISO. The comments have not yet been posted publicly by any of the involved parties, though open-source lawyer Andy Updegrove posted excerpts on his blog.

Jason Matusow, Microsoft's director for corporate standards, declined to comment on Open XML's current chances for ISO approval.

"Do we have opinions? Yes, but we want to be respectful of the ISO process," he said.

IBM, which cast the sole vote last fall in Ecma opposing Open XML, declined to comment. The company is supporting ODF for its Workplace software as well as Lotus Notes. It has also been accused by Microsoft of meddling in Open XML's approval.

And now?

It's unclear what happens next. According to a message from the JTC-1 Secretariat, Lisa Rajchel, she will "consult with ITTF (Information Technology Task Force) staff regarding the next steps to be taken with the Fast Track submission. Based on this consultation, the Secretariat will communicate the next steps to JTC-1 National Bodies in the very near future."

According to sources familiar with the process, Ecma can either officially submit the Open XML proposal to ISO as-is hoping it can sway voters in 5 months, or it can attempt to address concerns by making changes to its proposal. Worst for Open XML is if ISO decides to put Open XML on a slower mainstream track for approval, which could add months or years to the approval process.