Microsoft has announced the release of an open-source translator tool, which allows documents created in OpenDocument Format (ODF) or Open XML to be converted from one format to the other. The intention is to ensure interoperability between the two competing document-format standards.

The Microsoft-backed SourceForge project was launched last June, with a prototype version made available in July. The project team has now released version 1.0 of the Open XML Translator, which has already been downloaded more than 55,000 times.

Microsoft said that the completed plug-in, which is available to download for free, allows users to support both document formats. For example, Microsoft Word users can choose to open and save documents in ODF rather than the built-in Open XML format, while ODF-based word processors can be converted to read and save Open XML documents.

Microsoft said that the second phase of the project, aimed at developing Excel and PowerPoint translators, will begin this month. The first preview releases will be posted on the SourceForge web site in May, with the final version due November.

The translator release comes just days before the deadline for submitting objections to Open XML, which is in the first stage of its approval process as an ISO standard.
National standards bodies have until 5 February to feedback to the International Organisation for Standardisation about whether Open XML is admissible for the fast-track approval process. If no objections are raised, a five-month technical review process will begin. However, if any contradictions are issued, the current 30-day review process can be extended to up to 90 days.

In advance of the deadline, open standards body OpenForum Europe (OFE) wrote a letter to the British Standards Institution (BSI), raising its objections to the fast-track process for Open XML. OFE, which supports the competing ODF standard, called on the BSI to issue a contradiction at this stage of the process to allow more time for the 6,000-page supporting documentation to be reviewed.

The BSI declined to give IT Week details about its decision ahead of the deadline, however. “BSI cannot comment until after 5 February when the international standards bodies worldwide have reviewed the document and submitted their comments to JTC 1 [The worldwide IT Standards Committee],” said spokesman Jonathan Mason.