|
| Foocha! is a non-profit Web site. We do it for kicks, not for cash. If you're interested in writing for the site, click here |
|
 |
| The ultimate common platform |
|
 |
|
| Talk,
Graham Bower,
05 January 1999 | |
|
| |
| |
|
There are open standards, there are proprietary systems, and then there is Microsoft. With the release of the Microsoft Encarta World English dictionary, Microsoft is taking on the ultimate open standard - the English Language itself.
An open stardard is something that everyone can follow to ensure that their product or service will work with everyone elses. The QWERTY keyboard is a good example of this. Every keyboard manufacturer lays out their keys in this manner, and thus, every user is familar with the layout of their (and everyone elses) keyboards. Since no one organisation owns the QWERTY standard, it's a simple, free way of making keyboards easy to use.
A proprietary system is a system that is the exclusive property of an organisation. No one else is allow to use the system without the permission of its owner. The Apple Mac is a good example of a proprietary system, and like so many such systems, it was marginalised because only one company could develop for it or profit from it.
Microsoft has been highly successful in striking a difficult balance between the two. Windows became a standard because it was open to other companies to develop for - they became original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for Microsoft, and payed Microsoft for the privilage. Naturally, Microsoft fiercely control the standard. They will not release the source code which would allow other companies to adapt Windows to suit individual requirements. By tightly controlling the platform, Microsoft have created the Windows hegemony we know today. And everyone (almost) has benefitted from this hegemony. Much like the QWERTY keyboard, it is in the consumer's interest that all computers have a familiar look and feel. If you can use one PC, you can use them all.
Its ironic then, but not suprising, that Microsoft should display an interest in the English language. It is, after all, the only standard that has become even more common that the Seattle behemoth. But putting the Microsoft logo on the cover of the World English Dictionary will never give Microsoft the same control of this standard as they enjoy with Windows. World English has far more in common with Linux. Linux is an 'open source' operating system for high end systems that has everyone talking. Originally created by Linus Torvalds, Linux has been tweeked and buffed and generally improved by developers all over the world. You see the open source licensing agreement for Linux allows everyone to do what they will with the standard, providing they share their ideas with everyone else. Sounds familiar? Of course! English also benefits from developers the world over. Like Linux, it is constantly evolving as people adapt and embellish it. Encarta has its work cut out for it if it is to keep up with the break-neck pace at which English evolves and adapts.
There will never be one single flavour of 'World English'. People around the world will continue to adapt both as they see fit. It seems the tide might finally be turning against Microsoft, just as Gates was preparing for his Bond Villan style finalé - the control of the English language itself!
Top Home |
|
|
|
|
