Microsoft Interoperability: Microsoft opens up its data formats and platforms

Microsoft today announced new interoperability principles to increase the openness of its flagship products Windows Vista (including the .NET Framework), Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008, Office 2007, Exchange Server 2007, and Office SharePoint Server 2007 as well as future versions.

To drive greater interoperability Microsoft sets four new principles, the Questions and Answers page by Bob Muglia is a must read.

PressPass: Isn’t this also intended to be a part of an agreement with the European Commission?

Muglia: Today’s announcement isn’t part of an agreement with the Commission. However, it’s a reflection of the changed legal landscape for Microsoft and the industry as a whole. It’s an important step forward in our ongoing efforts to fulfill the responsibilities and obligations outlined in the ruling of the European Court of First Instance in September 2007.

To me it sounds like a huge change, but I want to go deeper into before writing more about it.

Technorati Tags: Open Standards, Microsoft, BobMuglia, Microsoft Interoperabilty