[dsdl-discuss] Contradiction of ISO standards

Obviously I have been doing some research in this area, in relation to
OOXML. I hope people won't mind me raising this here, because there is a
DSDL angle to it.

(Disclosure: MS are paying me to work on a Wikipedia entry for four
days. This email is not billed to them or part of that.)

I have been making the general argument in my blog and in private
correspondence with Patrick Durusau that because ISO has not seen any
contradiction in having RELAX NG, even though it competes with W3C XSD,
then mere overlap of functionality is not enough for contradiction.

However, there is a more fundamental aspect that I (and other writers)
have missed: the JTC1 requirement against contradiction is limited to
contradiction with other ISO/IEC standards only. A recommendation from
W3C, Ecma or OASIS is irrelevant. Anyone see something I cannot see?

According to JTC-1 Directives,
<http://isotc.iso.org/livelink/livelink.exe/fetch/2000/2489/186491/186605/Jtc1_Directives.pdf?nodeid=3959538&vernum=0>
Edition 5, Version 2.0, section 13.4:

   During the 30-day review period, an NB [national standardizing body]
   may identify to the JTC 1 Secretariat any perceived contradiction
   with other JTC 1, ISO or IEC standards. If such a contradiction is
   alleged, the matter shall be resolved by the ITTF and JTC 1
   Secretariat in accordance with Section 13.2 before ballot voting can
   commence. If no contradiction is alleged, the fast-track ballot
   voting commences immediately following the 30-day period.

 In the Fifteenth Meeting of JTC1, held in 2000, the following
Resolution 27, "Consistency of JTC 1 Products" was adopted:

   JTC 1 stresses the strong need for _consistency_ of its products
   (ISs and TRs) irrespective of the route through which they were
   developed. Any inconsistency will _confuse users_ of JTC 1 standards
   and, hence, jeopardize JTC 1's _reputation_. Therefore, referring to
   clauses 13.2 (Fast Track) and 18.4.3.2 (PAS) of its Directives, JTC
   1 reminds ITTF of its obligation to ascertain that a proposed DIS
   contains no evident contradiction with other ISO/IEC standards. JTC
   1 offers any help to ITTF in such undertaking. However, should an
   _inconsistency_ be detected at any point in the ratification
   process, JTC 1 together with ITTF will take immediate action to cure
   the problem."

Cheers
Rick Jelliffe

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