First Look Microsoft Office 2003

If you've been concerned about the long-term data-management considerations your business is facing, you already grasp the benefit of having an open international standard for data exchange. XML gives you a simple, usable form in which to store your data-one that will be around as long as you are. Your data can be ported into various applications and platforms, and will eventually be used in ways we haven't even thought of yet. With the help of solutions developers, the continuing work of the W3C, and the increasing adoption and integration of XML support in major worldwide applications like Office 2003, XML will rapidly become the common denominator for business data exchange-interdepartmentally as well as across industries and nations, and around the world.

Here are a few of the specific ways XML can help businesses work smarter and more efficiently:

• XML data enables businesses to save data once and use it many times, in a virtually unlimited number of applications.

• XML is flexible so that solutions developers can create specific schema and applications based on the needs of individual businesses and industries.

• XML is an open international standard, enabling businesses to develop data-management applications with off-the-shelf tools and avoid costly licensing fees.

• XML enables businesses to access and use legacy data and safeguard today's data for future use.

• Familiar interfaces (such as Word 2003, Excel 2003, and Access 2003) make it easy for end users to work with XML applications without retraining.