Microsoft says it's opening its Office desktop software by adding support for XML--a move that should help companies free up access to shared information. But there's a catch: It has yet to disclose the underlying XML dialect.
Microsoft has failed in its initial effort to fast-track the Office Open XML (OOXML) document file format as an international standard but it will have another chance in early 2008.
Standards body Ecma International has created a committee to standardise Microsoft Office document formats, handing the software giant a victory in an intensifying struggle over desktop software.
Responding to a request from the European Union to improve data interoperability, Microsoft has committed in perpetuity to offering a royalty-free license of Office-related XML document formats.
Looming competitive and regulatory pressures factored into Microsoft's recent decision to reveal formerly secret pieces of its latest Office software, according to analysts.
As Microsoft unveils the next version of its flagship Office suite, we ask: is it revolution or evolution?
A distinction that Microsoft is making between professional and standard versions of Office 2003 means that many customers may not get all the features they've been expecting, including broad support for Web services.
Michael Meeks is a distinguished engineer at Novell. But his current project may be his toughest yet. He is in charge of tackling interoperability between Novell's OpenOffice.org productivity suite and Microsoft Office. And as with anything relating to Microsoft, this involves more than just technology.
An emerging Web development technique promises to shake up the status quo in PC software and blur the line between desktop and Web applications.
Jeff Raikes, Group VP of Microsoft, describes Office 2003 as "the first and best example of how end users can benefit from XML." Is it for you?
Microsoft says it's opening its Office desktop software by adding support for XML--a move that should help companies free up access to shared information. But there's a catch: It has yet to disclose the underlying XML dialect.
While Microsoft Office System is the most complete suite on the block, there's no compelling reason for everyone to upgrade.
The next version of Microsoft's Office software will run only on the latest releases of the company's operating systems, leaving older OS users in the dark.
Microsoft has revamped the online resource site for its Office software line, bringing together help resources, software add-ons and other content.
New programs are to be aimed at encouraging software makers to produce applications for the next version of Office.
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