This is getting too easy
Office 11 supports what Barzdukas described as "arbitrary XML support." Companies that already have deployed Web services would find that their existing schemas--or XML vocabularies--would work with Office 11.Note that there is no mention of then saving or exporting files in formats that anyone else's applications can read. Once again, they are claiming improved ability to import everyone else's formats.
"We'll be able to read their XML in applications like Word and Excel," Barzdukas said. "Therefore, they won't have to rework their XML schemas.
And just what does "arbitrary XML support" mean? Does it mean that users will be able to chose what type of XML to use? As in "import the OpenOffice XML format and save in the MSOffice XML format"?
Color me unconvinced that:
"It's a big risk for them," said Forrester Research analyst Ted Schadler. "They open up the file format, open up the data feed, open up the template format, and somebody can make a cheaper Office or a better Office. They're going to lose that lock on the file format they've had for 15 years."I see no indication of opening anything up. All I see is the same old claim that if you buy their next product, you won't have any "upgrade" pains. They can import all your existing stuff cleanly.
[Edit]
And how about this, further down:
"If Microsoft can get people to write their applications to Office and make it part of their business processes, it's harder for people to throw Office out and replace it," Silver[1] explained. "They can make it an integral part of actually getting the business done, instead of (using it for) just writing letters."[1] Gartner analyst Michael Silver
"XML makes Office a rich client for Web services and to fit into larger business processes," Barzdukas[2] said.
As Office evolves into a platform for developing XML-connected documents, businesses could start a new cycle of application development that could also benefit software makers other than Microsoft.[3]
"We think it's a good idea and customers will benefit from the changes," Schadler[4] said.
[2] Gytis Barzdukas, director of Office product management at Microsoft
[3] This seems aufully close to an opinion to be presented unattributed. Gives the impression the publication is endorsing the conclusion.
[4] Forrester Research analyst Ted Schadler, the same one who described the "big risk" of "opening up the file format".
So we have one analyst explaining how this is going to tie businesses more closely to Office, one saying how this is risky because it cuts the ties, the official Microsoft position that it makes MSOffice more central to businesses. The MS position is of course that this is a good thing. The analyst who thinks its a risky opening up of the formats also says it's a good thing. Since the (apparent) position of the magazine is that it could spur a new round of development by competitors, they seem to be buying the openness argument. Excuse me if I (still) remain unconvinced.
