Interoperation between Open Office and MS Office via UOML Alex Wang Chair/OASIS UOML TC Chairman / Sursen Co.

SQL vs. UOML Unstructured Document UOML MS Office Open Office UOML Writer SEP Docbase …… ……… SQL Structured Data DB2OracleSQL Server Finance system ERP Accounting ……… … SQL ---- UOML DBF ---- PDF Database ---- Docbase

What is UOML? UOML - Unstructured Operation Markup Language. UOML is NOT a document storage format. UOML defines an unified operating interface through the abstract description of unstructured documents. UOML is suitable for layout-based documents, including creating, viewing, modifying, querying information that can be printed on a paper UOML is the “SQL” for unstructured information

UOML Help Interoperation UOML provides the same interoperability as a paper – A pen can write on any paper – A paper can be written by any pen UOML is the best way for document interoperation – ANY UOML application can open ANY document (including UOML document and non-UOML document) – ANY UOML document can be processed by ANY UOML application

Compatibility issues of Open Office Open Office’s functions are rich enough for normal users Compatibility issues block Open Office – Even you can order the whole enterprise to install Open Office, you can’t unify the format of outside people – MS owns unbeatable market advantage Currently, Open Office can open a MS Office document directly – Can edit the document in the original way – Can’t open all MS documents – Can’t guarantee layout – Not reliable

UOML Provides Another Solution Use MS Office to open its document Generate a UOML document by UOML Writer Open Office opens a UOML document, appends new content on the previous one Benefits and shortcomings – The original format is lost – The layout is 100% retained – Reliable Can be accepted by most users

Value of UOML Solution Government, Enterprise can install one MS Office in entry, convert all input documents to UOML documents The other hundreds of computers are only required to have Open Office installed, thus get rid of format compatibility problems It works the same way as the tradition paper work, can be accepted by users Open Office can be promoted without format compatible problems

Status of UOML TC UOML TC was Formed in Feb, 2007 Three TC teleconferences have been held The first UOML work draft has been submitted UOML TC need your participation! Join UOML TC, enhance UOML for better ODF support!