The next generation of Microsoft Windows (Vista) and Microsoft Office (2006) come with new file formats for data.

The code name for this technology is Metro, now known as the XML Paper Specification (XPS)

Key fact: This is an open format (so other software developers outside of Microsoft can develop and support it).

The XML Paper specification is the same technology for both screen and print output, with no digital differences. What you see is what you get.

The closest we have to a standard platform we have today is Adobe’s PDF format.

The Prediction: Within 10 years the XML paper specification will be the dominant format for *all* data.

Associated Link: integrated/#xps

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 9th, 2005 at 9:38 pm and is filed under Tech Predictions. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.