[ODFPlugtest] ODF interop at DII event in Brussels tomorrow

[Thomas Zander]

On Thursday 12. November 2009 01.53.10 Doug Mahugh wrote:
> This issue is a good example of why the ODF format sometimes makes it
> very hard to achieve good interoperability. There are two completely
> different and mutually incompatible ways of specifying a shape's
> gradient:  <draw:gradient>,  or <svg:linearGradient> and
> <svg:radialGradient>.  I don't know the history of this situation, but in
> order to improve ODF interoperability we need to fix the problem, and
> modify the standard so that it includes a single consistent and
> interoperable approach to gradients.

I'm a bit surprised you come to the conclusion that having two different 
approaches to a similar problem is causing interoperability problems. You 
know how cynical that sounds, right? :D

Anyway, eyes on the ball again. In this case I think all office suites should 
*read* both kinds of structures and while writing write out what is the most 
appropriate for their situation. I'd say that all non-trivial ODF 
implementations should use the svg based solution while writing, which 
includes MSOffice.

ODF implementations that are smaller (think webservice, report generator 
etc) may opt to go for the draw:gradient.

So, Its not a wonderfully elegant situation but perfectly possible to handle 
for MSOffice and others. If you disagree or if I missed something important, 
let us know please.

So lets fix things and get to the next issue.
-- 
Thomas Zander