World First Office Open Xml Application Launched

MEDIA STATEMENT
For immediate release 6th March 2008

World First Office Open Xml Application Launched

Intergen has announced its groundbreaking new software product TextGlow at the international MIX08 conference in Las Vegas, NV - a showcase of Microsoft innovation on the Web.

A world-first, TextGlow allows users to view Office Open XML Word documents without having to download them, irrespective of whether or not they have Microsoft Word or any other Microsoft Office application installed. Office Open XML Formats, which are based on Ecma standard 376, are the default file formats for the 2007 Microsoft Office system.

“TextGlow is a unique product combining Office Open XML and Silverlight for the first time,” says Chris Auld, Intergen’s Director of Strategy and Innovation.

“Microsoft Office documents have traditionally required software to be installed on the local machine. The new XML- based file format, coupled with Silverlight, has allowed us to make documents viewable directly through users’ web browsers. Having an internationally documented standard such as Office Open XML allows innovative New Zealand companies such as Intergen to reach a global audience,” says Mr Auld.

TextGlow was designed and developed by young Intergen talent James Newton-King as part of the company’s ongoing strategy to develop innovative products with new Microsoft technologies.

“I saw a real need for a tool like this,” says James Newton-King, “With many organisations storing documents in web based document management systems such as SharePoint products and technologies, being able to quickly preview documents within the browser is a real productivity boost.”

“Microsoft is delighted to see independent software vendors such as Intergen taking full advantage of Open XML,” said Jean Paoli, General Manager for Interoperability and XML Architecture at Microsoft Corporation. “TextGlow is a great example of how customers can use the rich functionality Open XML offers irrespective of platform or the productivity application on their desktop.”

As one of the first applications to combine Office Open XML and Silverlight, TextGlow is a technological breakthrough. It works cross platform and is freely available to all users.

TextGlow was unveiled at MIX08 in Las Vegas, NV alongside Microsoft Corp’s other latest web-oriented products and technologies.

Now in its third year, MIX is an international conference where cutting-edge technical, creative and business strategists from around the world engage Microsoft in a conversation about the future of the web.

ENDS