14 DAY TRIAL // With Open XML Translator 1.0 out of the way, Microsoft has revealed its future plans for the formats interoperability product. In this context, while the first bridge from ODF to Open XML has been completed with the version 1,0 of the Open XML Translator add-in for Microsoft Office 2007, 2003, and XP, the Redmond Company revealed that it also plans to deliver translators for Spreadsheet and Presentation.
The final version of Open XML Translator has become available for download starting with February 1, 2007. The Redmond juggernaut, which has financially backed the development of the open source Translator, informed that the project is far from finalization. In fact, the translator project will simply move into its next phase.
Work on translators for Microsoft Office Excel and Microsoft Office PowerPoint is scheduled to debut in February. Microsoft failed to reveal additional details related to the continuation of the project. French company CleverAge and Sonata Software Ltd. of India are involved with the Redmond Company for the translator project, while Dialogika of Germany and India-based Aztecsoft are involved in testing the product.
"Working on such a project with Microsoft in promoting interoperability is really exciting," said Frederic Bon, CEO of CleverAge. "The company has a high standard and commitment for this project and its long-term goals. We will continue helping customers in benefiting from the use of Open XML standards in their applications."
"The OpenXML Translator enables the global Microsoft Word user community at home and in companies, international organizations and government agencies alike to deal with today's standard document formats in a highly flexible manner," said Peter Auler, executive director of Dialogika. "Being an easy-to-install add-in, the converter integrates seamlessly in any standard Microsoft workstation environment, in so doing extending the reach of organizations in making services and publications accessible to an ever-growing world community."