[Sigia-l] Tool standardization (was about visio or not tovisio)

Adrian Howard adrianh at quietstars.com
Fri Aug 15 08:45:16 EDT 2003


On Thursday, August 14, 2003, at 08:55  pm, David Heller wrote:

> FYI, Flash is an open format standard. There are many tools and  
> services
> that develop swf files, not just Flash MX.

I was using the term "open standard" in the (to me) usual sense of one  
that is controlled by a standards body, rather than being owned by a  
single organisation.

SWF is controlled by Macromedia. See the licence for full details  
<http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/open/licensing/fileformat/ 
license2.html>. In particular section 5:

> You understand and agree that Macromedia may amend, modify, change,  
> and cease distribution or production of the Specification at any time.  
> You understand that this License does not entitle you to receive any  
> upgrades, updates, or future versions of the Specification under this  
> License.

This doesn't fit my definition of open. YMMV.

Adrian




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