Microsoft seeks XML-related patents
Microsoft has applied for patents that could prevent competing applications from processing documents created with the latest version of the software giant's Office program.
The company filed patent applications in New Zealand and the European Union that cover word processing documents stored in the XML (Extensible Markup Language) format. The proposed patent would cover methods for an application other than the original word processor to access data in the document. The U.S. Patent Office had no record of a similar application.
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XML capabilities have been one of the main selling points for Office 2003. The patents could create a barrier for competing software, such as future versions of OpenOffice and StarOffice, from working with Microsoft's XML format...more [CNET]
This harkens back to the bad old days that gave Microsoft it's monopoly hold over the computer world. By controlling the document format, Microsoft was able to force companies to convert. If you have only one way to access a universal document type, you have no choice but to use the product associated with it. It also allows you over time to force upgrades. This would address two of Microsoft's biggest threats, open source, and slow migration to newer programs...mj
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