>Quick summary:
>
>1. New Office file format will be pure XML streams compressed in a single file ZIP archive. Embeded OLE objects will now be represented in their native XML format vs. sealed binary streams. (BTW: This is the same technique used by Open Office)
>
>4. New Office file formats will be available to both Windows and Mac users.
>
>5. Microsoft will ship software upgrades so new format is fully usable for Office 2000, XP, and 2003 users. WOW! :)
>
>6. New file formats can be licensed without fee.
>

Malcolm,

Here's some analysis: http://www.microsoftmonitor.com/archives/008558.html

"I would strongly encourage Microsoft competitors to take charge and not let the company define what is open. Additionally, I would caution competitors and partners to avoid getting sucked into the hype about Microsoft abandoning its proprietary file formats; the company isn't."

Bill Anderson