While everyone is waiting for Xbox 360, Microsoft snuck this under the rader: it has submitted the XML schemas for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for certification as standards to the EMCA.

And also trying to fast-track the submission.

I'm sure the blogosphere would be filled with opinions shortly, with OpenOffice flames and Adobe eulogys.

The MSFT announcement is here, and a Q&A on the submission can be found here.