Microsoft Releases Specs for Binary Formats

skolima writes "In response to requests for even easier access to the Binary Formats, Microsoft has agreed to remove any intermediate steps necessary to get the documentation. They're going to just post it, making it directly available as a download on the Microsoft web site. Microsoft will also make the Binary Formats subject to its Open Specification Promise by February 15, 2008. They're even planning to include an Open Source converter implementation."

Comments

Office XML

[ilikepi314]

Documentation will be good, but the open source converter does not seem very useful if it converts to Office XML, which no one can implement anyway. Unless this converter is so good that it gives us insight into how Office XML works... but then again, wasn't there discussion of patents on certain parts of the specification? Maybe it still can't be used safely by anyone but Microsoft, even if the source code is available...

Re:The important stuff

[houstonbofh]

One more kinda important thing... It only mentions by name the older formats Microsoft is in the process of abandoning, like .doc which they blocked Office from opening recently. I see no mention of the new formats Microsoft is trying to ram down our throats. But I may have missed it... It is a kinda tough read.

April Fool's Come Early

[mpapet]

Again!

This is some interoperability play most likely to placate some government entity without actually doing much. It is the equivalent of the skin of an onion.

This is also temporary as Microsoft has already made well known their intentions to move to signed drivers only. After signed drivers comes signed applications. What good will any of this do if you can't run the app without microsoft's blessing?

FYI: http://www.alex-ionescu.com/?p=24 (related topic and safe for work)