With the backing of heavy-hitters in the industry like IBM and Sun Microsystems, the OpenDocument format is gaining momentum as an alternative to Microsoft's dominance in the office suite sector:

"It's more grassroots, starting small and working its way through individual states and agencies," Gallt said, but did not specify which governments were looking into it.

Those state customers are seeking alternatives to Microsoft Office, while the technology providers are looking to loosen Microsoft's grip on the desktop marketplace, said Stephen O'Grady, an analyst at RedMonk. Those factors are what are fueling the growing momentum for OpenDocument, he said.

This news article was written on November 11, 2005, quoting CNET News.