Microsoft Lets The Other Kids Play With XML

Microsoft softened its heart a bit by announcing it will adopt an "industry standard XML" for the forthcoming Office 12 release, opening up the playing field to other popular office programs. Of course, big dog Microsoft says it ain't about the other guys. It's about customer satisfaction by offering improved file and data management, improved interoperability, and a published file-format specification. "The slightly longer answer is what these capabilities do for our customers. For example, in the area of interoperability, the new format enables the building of archives of documents that can be used without Office code if required. And information created in Office can be integrated easily with back-office systems," said senior vice president Steven Sinofsky on