Office 12 and XML Not Just for Developers, But Also for Users

Life is good! Charles and I had a chance to interview Brian Jones of Microsoft Corporation on Interview #5 of the OfficeZealot.com Podcast. We discuss Office 12 and specifically the new Microsoft Open XML File Format. This format is being introduced with Office 12, but will also be backported to Office 2000, XP and 2003. It will be available in Word, Excel and PowerPoint. What is amazing is that this will be the new default file format for Office 12.

XML is typically viewed as a "developer oriented" technology. However, as Brian discusses Office gets many benefits that even users will enjoy from the capabilities XML introduces. Namely, a more robost file format and the ability to repair files with greater accuracy.

Brian does a great interview, he's down to earth and really understands the XML community. He's one smart dude, you should listen to this interview.