Microsoft today claimed that its Open XML data format is enjoying "strong" global support.

The comments come after the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) released the results of a preliminary ballot to participating National Body members for the ISO/IEC DIS 29500 (ECMA 376 Office Open XML file formats) ratification process.

According to the Redmond giant, the results show that 51 ISO members, representing 74 per cent of all qualified votes, stated their support for ratification of Open XML.

"Along with their votes, the National Bodies also provided invaluable technical comments designed to improve the specification," Microsoft stated.

"Many of the remaining ISO members stated that they will support Open XML after their comments are addressed during the final phase of the process, which is expected to close in March 2008."

Tom Robertson, general manager for interoperability and standards at Microsoft, said: "This preliminary vote is a milestone for the widespread adoption of the Open XML formats around the world for the benefit of millions of customers.

"Given how encouraging today's results were, we believe that the final tally in early 2008 will result in the ratification of Open XML as an ISO standard."

Today's results represent the beginning of the third phase of the ISO/IEC process, called "ballot resolution", during which time ECMA International will respond to all comments that have been submitted by ISO National Bodies.