Linspire, the petite Linux distro that once had to give up its “Lindows” name because of Microsoft’s rage, is now showing its commitment to deploy open source translators for better interoperability between ODF and Open XML formats.

Already benefiting from Linux vendors Xandros and Novell’s support, Microsoft’s initiative to make its proprietary Open XML format compatible with the more famous Open Document Format is now gaining adherents.

Linspire will now work with the aforementioned Linux vendors and with the Redmond behemoth to create bi-directional open source translators for word processing, spreadsheets and presentations between ODF and Open XML.

Since Linspire is promoting both the Linspire and Freespire operating systems, it goes without saying that the two will include the bi-directional translators between ODF and Open XML.

The advantage of such interoperability is the easier file sharing, as end-users will be able to better maintain consistent formats, formulas and style templates across the two office productivity suites.

"For Linux to gain acceptance beyond the server, it must interoperate within the broader desktop computing ecosystem," said Kevin Carmony, CEO of Linspire. "Interoperability with Microsoft Office documents is critical, and Linspire is pleased to join this ongoing effort with Novell and Microsoft to bring document interoperability to our mutual customer base."

The Open XML format is an open standard file format for office applications that can be freely implemented by multiple applications on multiple platforms. The Open XML format was standardized by ECMA International on December 7, 2006 and is also being implemented by multiple applications on multiple platforms. It is now under consideration for ratification by ISO/IEC JTC1. Open XML is the default format for the recently released Microsoft Office 2007. The Open XML format is also available through free updates to past Microsoft Office versions.

“This is good news for customers. Linspire and Microsoft share the view that it should be easy for users of competing office productivity applications to exchange files with one another and XML is pivotal in that regard,” said Jean Paoli, general manager for Interoperability and XML Architecture at Microsoft. “We believe in delivering interoperability by design for the benefit of our customers. Our ongoing collaborative relationships with commercial open source companies like Linspire help us achieve that goal."

It is estimated that more than 100 million people all over the world are currently using OpenOffice.