Active-X is Open Source!

Here's a brief history of Active-X

In July, 1996:
Microsoft Announces Decision to Transition ActiveX Technologies To an Independent Standards Body
Microsoft Committed to Formalized, Open Process
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/1996/jul96/indstndpr.mspx

In September, 1996
Microsoft Announces Industry Meeting To Map Out Transition of ActiveX Technologies
Invites Customers, Independent Software Vendors and Platform Vendors to Determine Format of Future Independent Standards Body for ActiveX; Meeting Set for Oct. 1 in New York City
http://channels.microsoft.com/presspass/press/1996/sept96/wkgppr.mspx

In early October, 1996
ActiveX Stakeholders Choose The Open Group To Drive Direction of ActiveX in the Future
Decision Is Result of Vote in First Meeting of ActiveX Stakeholders in New York Oct.1
http://channels.microsoft.com/presspass/press/1996/Oct96/stkhldpr.mspx

A few days later
Microsoft Delivers ActiveX on the Macintosh
Beta Release of ActiveX SDK for Macintosh Enhances Cross-Platform Support for ActiveX
http://channels.microsoft.com/presspass/press/1996/Oct96/macpr.mspx

The Open Source Active-X standard lives here:
http://www.opengroup.org/pubs/catalog/ax01.htm