The Document Foundation, the organization behind the LibreOffice office suite, has publicly criticized Microsoft for designing complex and opaque document formats that hinder interoperability and discourage migration to alternative software. The foundation argues that Microsoft’s use of XML-based structures in its Office suite prioritizes vendor lock-in over open standards.
While both LibreOffice and Microsoft 365 use XML for document structuring, their approaches diverge significantly. LibreOffice works with the OpenDocument Format (ODF), an internationally recognized open standard that promotes long-term accessibility and cross-platform compatibility through formats such as .odt and .ods. In contrast, Microsoft pushes its proprietary Office Open XML (OOXML), optimized for full functionality within Microsoft 365 and tied to extensions like .docx and .xlsx.
LibreOffice developers assert that XML was created as a universal tool for seamless data exchange, yet Microsoft has repurposed it into a technical barrier. They liken the strategy to a railway network where the tracks are open, but the signaling system is so deliberately intricate that third parties cannot build compatible vehicles, effectively eliminating competition.
The foundation links this practice to Microsoft’s push for Windows 11 adoption, noting a lack of technical reason for mandatory upgrades. It urges users to consider open-source alternatives to safeguard digital sovereignty and ensure enduring access to their data.
You can find the official LibreOffice statement here.
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