Microsoft releases new OpenXML SDK

New OpenXML SDK should make it easier for developers to use

Microsoft has made available the latest version of its Open XML software developer kit, a package designed to make it easier for developers to create client and server solutions using the OpenXML format.

Included in the SDK are a number of APIs that can be used to manipulate formats, as well as how-to documentation and sample codes.

Microsoft has also delivered some information about its future roadmap, explaining that the next version, 2, will be out late summer, and will contain components from the Open XML API architecture.

Meanwhile Brazil, India, South Africa and Venezuela have this week appealed against the decision to fast-track the international standardisation of Microsoft's OpenXML.

OpenXML has been subjected to intense debate already, but was ratified by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) in April. Although it is already backed by a large number of countries, it will now be put back on hold while the appeal is decided on.