Interesting adoption data for Open XML and ODF

I recall this Rob Weir post.

"Now we shouldn't be so careless as to say that there are only 2,000 OOXML document in existence, or for that matter only 160,000 ODF documents. Not all documents are posted on the web. In fact, most of them are sitting on hard drives, in mail files, behind corporate firewalls, etc. The documents that Google sees is only a sampling of real-world documents. But this is true of both ODF and OOXML. My hard drive is loaded with ODF documents that are not included in the above sampling. But however you spin it, the minuscule number of OOXML documents and their pathetic growth rate should be a cause of concern and distress for Microsoft."

Fast-forward to today, where I was just doing some checking on file format adoption:

Aside from the numbers, the Google Trends graph really illustrates the story best (spreadsheets, presentations as well):

Indeed, Open XML has now passed ODF in terms of adoption (at least as much as this is a measure.) I'm assuming that if this measurement was good enough then, it's good enough now as well. I'm hoping we'll see Rob updating his chart soon.

But this isn't really what we're after… let's face it, the Open XML / ODF conversation has evolved far beyond this now. As Microsoft Office is working to support ODF and Open Office supports (at least partially) Open XML, the conversation is really about ensuring interoperability of both formats. Regardless of whether you favor Open XML or ODF, the path is really a means to making a dent in these numbers, or perhaps this one. Over time, we should expect to see a significant trend downward for these binary documents. But how long will it take?

At Microsoft we are now committed to helping solve the interoperability challenges required to make the meaningful dent in the binary formats. Like many others, we are sitting at the table to make a contribution to the discussion. We are moving in a positive direction, investing in Open XML, ODF, and in the interoperability conversation for real implementations.

Just like any other hard conversation, 90% of the winning formula is showing up with a constructive mindset and right intent. We're hopeful to continue the positive dialog with the ODF community and Open XML implementers alike.