Microsoft looks to open source for Office
By Stuart Turton,
Microsoft and European open-source firm Sourcesense have signed a deal to work together on developing open-source software for the software giant's Office suite.
The companies will initially work to develop Apache POI libraries supporting Office Open XML file formats. Apache POI is an open-source file format reader and writer used to edit Microsoft Office formats used in Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Visio.
"Donating code to an established, consensus-driven organisation such as the Apache Software Foundation benefits both our customers and the open-source community at large," said Sam Ramji, senior director of Platform Technology Strategy at Microsoft.
"By helping contribute to new Apache solutions, we are putting our intentions into action, and giving back to this dynamic community."
Adding support for Open XML to the Apache POI is expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2008.
The deal is part of Microsoft's continuing attempts to "open up" and collaborate with the open-source community, something it pledged back in February.
advertisement
Latest Internet Features
The continued curse of cybersquatting
For some, it’s a problem confined to the early days of the Internet. But current figures suggest that the cybersquatting problem is, if anything, growing.
- Where next for Microsoft, Yahoo and Google?
- Top 10 reviews of 2008
- The year in IT news
- Top 10 security stories of 2008
- 15 tech charities that need your help
- Christmas Gadget Roundup
- Why enterprise search is not internet search
- Web helps Wiggly Wigglers win big
- Netbooks vs. Smartphones: Making business mobile
Latest Internet Reviews
EXCLUSIVE - eSoft ThreatWall 250
Rating: ![]()
advertisement
Latest News Videos in Internet
Video: Q&A with Easynet Connect's Chris Stening
IT PRO spoke to Chris Stening, managing director of Easynet’s SME division, about whether ISPs are giving businesses the service they deserve.
White papers
Want more background on today's hottest IT trends?
Visit IT PRO's white paper library for more on virtualisation, encryption and other topics.
Register for IT PRO
You'll get exclusive member benefits including free white papers, downloads, Webinars and weekly newsletters full of the latest IT PRO news, reviews, insight and expertise.



Social Bookmark this article: What is this?