Highlights include posting version 1.0 releases of technical documentation for Microsoft protocols built into Office 2007, Office SharePoint Server 2007, and Exchange Server 2007; posting nearly 5,000 pages of new technical documentation for Office binary file formats for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (.doc, .xls, .xlsb, and .ppt); and making strides in fostering more open engagement with other members of the IT community.
"Today's actions represent Microsoft's continued fulfillment of the commitments it made in its Interoperability Principles," said Craig Shank, general manager (Interoperability) at Microsoft.
"Microsoft's cumulative posting of approximately 50,000 pages of technical documentation on MSDN provides consistent, open access for all developers, which enhances the ease and opportunities for working with Microsoft's high-volume products. Moreover, our work with partners, competitors, and customers to engage in the technical nuts-and-bolts of real-world interoperability provides great ongoing opportunities for collaboration to address the challenges of today's diverse IT environment," Shank said.
This move from Microsoft comes as, earlier this year the European Commission (EC) slapped a record fine of $1.3 billion for not complying with the 2004 antitrust order that requires the software giant to share its product documentation with other companies. Earlier, the company had refused to supply product documentation to other companies and had made it available to rivals -- but at unreasonable prices.
Source: Techtree
