I've not had time to digest all of this, but it looks important enough to get a quick note out.  I know Vijay is keen on interop.

Virtual Pressroom: Microsoft Makes Strategic Changes in Technology and Business Practices to Expand Interoperability

February 21, 2008
Microsoft today announced a set of broad-reaching changes to its technology and business practices to increase the openness of its products and drive greater interoperability, opportunity and choice. These changes are codified into four new interoperability principles and corresponding actions:

1. ensuring open connections;
2. promoting data portability;
3. enhancing support for industry standards; and
4. fostering more open engagement with customers and the industry, including open source communities.

Highlights:

• Press Conference Call with Steve Ballmer, Ray Ozzie, Bob Muglia and Brad Smith: 8:30 am PST, Feb. 21
• Video Clip: Tom Robertson, General Manager, Interoperability and Standards (.wmv file, 44 sec)

News & Announcements

• Press Release: Microsoft Makes Strategic Changes in Technology and Business Practices to Expand Interoperability (Feb. 21, 2008)
• Q&A: New Microsoft Interoperability Principles Ensure Open Connections and Promote Data Portability (Feb. 21, 2008)
• Media Alert: Microsoft Executives to Make Significant Company Announcement (Feb. 21, 2008)

Background Information

• Microsoft Interoperability Principles
• Announcement Overview: Microsoft Interoperability Principles (.docx file, 102kb)
• Quote Sheet: Industry Support for New Microsoft Interoperability Principles
• Microsoft Interoperability News Archive

Audio/Video

• Video Clip: Tom Robertson, General Manager, Interoperability and Standards, Microsoft, on what the announcement means to developers and customers (.wmv file, 44 sec)
• Broadcast-quality Video and Broll: The PressPass Broadcast Room (registration required)

Microsoft Introduces New Interoperability Principles

It will be interesting to see how other "open" vendors react .. are they really welcoming, or do they feel threatened by MS joining their party!!

ttfn

David