The Commonwealth just revised its policy on document formats to include OOXML. This is good because the old policy limited acceptable formats to "open standards."  We need to let the Commonwealth know, though, that while we're happy to see OOXML be accepted it is silly to create a policy that picks formats by name rather than by whether or not it gets the job done.

What if I create a new format tomorrow that will meet the state's goals?  I'm automatically shut out of doing business with the state because my format isn't named in the policy.

 If you're from Massachusetts please write in about this.  The policy is open for comment until Friday and you can send via email to standards@state.ma.us.