Microsoft gunning for Adobe's PDF format?

When Bill Gates showed off the new Metro document format in Longhorn at a hardware conference last week, some analysts were quick to call it a PDF killer.

Indeed, there's plenty of overlap between Adobe's popular Portable Document Format and what Microsoft is planning to include in the next version of Windows. Metro is designed to do things PDF already does, namely to allow for the creation of files that can be printed, viewed or archived without needing the program that created them.

It's that omnipresence, analysts say, that Microsoft covets, laying the groundwork for a significant battle between the two formats.

News.context

What's new:
Microsoft's new Metro format, due in the next version of Windows, is designed to do things Adobe's popular Portable Document Format already does--namely to allow for the creation of fixed-format documents that can be viewed, printed and archived on many types of computers, without needing the program that created them.

Bottom line:
Some analysts see a struggle brewing, but the companies are downplaying such a scenario. Microsoft says Metro is designed to do only a fraction of what PDF can. Adobe says it expects that operating system makers will eventually move into areas once handled by third-party software but that there will still be room for different products.

More stories on PDF

"I'm sure this is a long-standing point of chagrin for Microsoft," said Jupiter Research analyst Michael Gartenberg. "Microsoft understands the power of controlling a document format. You wield quite a bit of power with that."

However the two companies have sought to downplay the competition.

"There is a crossover at the very basic scenario," Gregg Brown, lead program manager for Microsoft's digital documents unit, said following a presentation at Microsoft's annual Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) in Seattle last week. Brown said that if what someone wants to do is create a document and send it to someone else for viewing, both Metro and PDF offer similar abilities. But, he said, "PDF does an enormous amount more than that. We are focused just on that scenario."

With Metro, Microsoft basically wanted to create a file format that would handle two specific tasks. First, the software giant wanted a way to save files from within any Windows program that could then be opened, viewed and shared without needing the specific program that created it. Second, Microsoft wanted to use the same method for sending data to a printer that it uses for displaying data on screen. So Metro uses the same method for describing and understanding graphics and text that Longhorn's Avalon graphics engine uses.

But that is where Metro's ambitions end, Brown said, pointing out that PDF is useful for entirely different kinds of documents, such as multimedia files or electronic forms.

Adobe's Pam Deziel, director of product marketing for the company's Acrobat product line, agreed that PDF offered capabilities far beyond Metro's, describing the Microsoft format as a way to update the current Windows print architecture, which has become "a little long in the tooth."

But Gartenberg said Microsoft faces challenges even if it seeks only to supplant PDF as a way to view, share and print basic documents.

"The real question is why would someone do that as opposed to using PDF?" Gartenberg said.

The battle is an interesting one. Gartenberg noted that whenever Microsoft builds something into the operating system, "It's got a home-court advantage." However, PDF has been on the market for years,

Dumb

What's the point? A castrated proprietary PDF? It <br />probably goes without saying that Linux (and <br />presumably Mac OS/X) use PDF precisely the way <br />Microsoft is intending to use Metro. Any <br />application can generate PDF output, and that can <br />be printed. <br /> <br />What's so difficult about writing out PDF through <br />the printing subsystem and using that to <br />rasterize the image later (perhaps for the <br />printer)? Nothing at all. <br /> <br />So where's the value in a proprietary alternative <br />that isn't as flexible, doesn't have an existing <br />base of tools to deal with it, is encumbered by <br />onerous licensing and patents, and isn't already <br />cross-platform? None at all. <br /> <br />Dumb.

[Chung Leong]

Now that's unfair

Microsoft is saying specifically that it's not trying to supplant PDF. It's silly to insist that's what they're doing and then call it dumb.<br /><br />As far as I can, Metro is meant as a replacement for the ancient meta file format. It will not only improve printing on Windows, but also clipboard operations. Right now there is no decent way of copy-and-pasting vector graphic between programs. You know what I mean if you've ever tried copying something from Powerpoint into Word.

[Earl Benser]

Never could understand....

... why it took a 60 MB program (Acrobat) to read a 10 KB PDF file. <br />I'm not too sure that I really like to see MS gaining control of more <br />of the computer environment, but I have had it with Adobe's <br />bloatware.

Well if you use adobe...

Under linux I use xpdf a 870kb program. An here is the crux of the problem, PDF is an open standard (not open source but open as in easy to create).<br /><br />Now then with the doc and xls formats microsoft had the advantage since everyone was using them but with this new format I see no urge to dump PDF even more so since I doubt Microsoft will release any viewers for alternate platforms. We now live in a world where you can create pdf with one click of a button in openoffice without the need for any additional software, you can create pdf from within php, you can even use virtual printers to create pdf. Besides what can Microsoft offer that could persuade users to use it (besides bribes which Microsoft is good at).

[Eggs Ackley]

Stealing ideas again ...

... and from everything they steal, comes an alterantive that's worse (for [L]users), not better (except, of course, for Microsoft)<br /><br />From TFA:<br />"With Metro, Microsoft basically wanted to create a file format that would handle two specific tasks. First, the software giant wanted a way to save files from within any Windows program that could then be opened, viewed and shared without needing the specific program that created it." ...<br /><br />This isn't an issue, if one uses open file formats. Just uses whatever program you want, not one that's being crammed down your throat, and only works on Windows.<br /><br />..."Second, Microsoft wanted to use the same method for sending data to a printer that it uses for displaying data on screen. So Metro uses the same method for describing and understanding graphics and text that Longhorn's Avalon graphics engine uses."<br /><br />Sounds like reinventing PostScript to me. Remember? PS was originally a display technology.<br /><br />I'm still waiting to hear what Metro does that PS/PDF DOESN'T do, except cut off Adobe's air supply.

Not really

Windows has always used this technique under the hood in printing. Its nothing new. Sounds like they're just updating their approach.

Basic Technology not created at Adobe

As is the case with many technologies, page description languages were developed and implemented at Xerox long before Adobe came along. <br /><br />Adobe certainly advanced the technology, but it's no more appropriate to suggest that Microsoft is stealing Adobe's ideas than to say that Adobe stole Xerox's.

Microsoft Bully

Here is MS pushing everyone who do not use MS being forced to <br />using MS. Just because they think they are the big kids on the <br />block, they think they can transform how the world works for <br />themselfs. <br />Why couldn't MS incorporate the already standard Adobe PDF <br />format in to the already LONG over due Long(moo)horn? Apple <br />did... Years ago! I don't know what to say! MS = Bully!

If it works don't mess with it!

Microsoft should concentrate on writing an effective secure OS instead of trying to recreate something that already works.<br />Also I don't need to clutter my harddrive with another bit of software that only tries to duplicate something that already works.

[Gerald Quaglia]

Thats the M$ way

They did it with the browser and look what happened. It killed all the competition, then forgot about IE. Leaving it open to all kinds of hacks and spyware. IT would stay that way too, but thanks to the Mozilla orgination, the product will now be updated.

PDF really sucks on Windoze

So M$ were left with no choice. I'm sure Apple will drag Microsft <br />through the courts.

[frankz00]

Eight years too late?!?!?

I looked at my clock to make sure I hadn't time warped back to 1997. They were too busy trying to product their .doc format that they fell asleep. Microsoft could have easily made .doc what PDF is today by opening up their spec but they didn't. What's worse is that they probably won't open up the spec to Metro or at least as much as Adobe has done. What's next? A Google killer? Ooops! They tried that too! I think they should stick to operating systems and video games.

[bobby_brady]

Some competition will be good

as Acrobat is expensive.

[cdahl]

Nitro PDF - $99

The competition has already arrived :-)<br /><br /><a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.nitropdf.com/" target="_newWindow">http://www.nitropdf.com/</a><br /><br />- Chris.<br />___________________________________<br /><br />Chris Dahl - Chief Technology Officer<br />ARTS PDF<br />[e-mail]<br /><a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.artspdf.com/" target="_newWindow">http://www.artspdf.com/</a><br />Official PDFlib Global Integrators<br />----------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />The Acrobat® alternative is here... Try Nitro PDF? now: <br /><a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.nitropdf.com" target="_newWindow">http://www.nitropdf.com</a>

[PCCRomeo]

And Adobe Reader sucks....

Hopefully Microsoft will improve and add more features to Metro.....And kill Adobe.

[Stan Johnson]

I love PDF but see nothing wrong with Microsoft's effort

I love PDF and use it everyday for web and offset printing. PDF is loaded with all types of features that work great with Adobe and other software. I does so much that I don't see Microsoft hurting marketshare much. Microsoft has a lot of work to do to directly compete with all that PDF does...and now that Adobe has Flash...MS can't touch that

[Earl Benser]

Maybe that's the explaination....

... why Adobe bought Macromedia - to beat MS's latest move. Sort <br />of a decision to retain market share rather than to extend it. It does <br />seem to fall into place, and I'm sure that Adobe may know more <br />about MS's plans than MS does..... ;-)

PDF + FLASH?

maybe M$ will add WMF to Metro

[shadowself]

Why are we hearing about this now?

How do we know this is not one of the items that will be pulled <br />from Longhorn in order for Microsoft to make its new "for <br />certain" shipping date?<br /><br />MS has dropped several core technologies from Longhorn over <br />the last 9 months in order to get it out the door in the next 18<br />-19 months. (Ballmer has stated MS will do whatever it takes to <br />make certain Longhorn ships no later than 31 December 2006.) <br />This could be another candidtate to be dropped.<br /><br />We should be hearing about this next spring when it will be <br />fairly certain what will and will not be shipped with Longhorn. <br />Reporting on it now is just being a shill for Microsoft. It is a way <br />for Microsoft to hype the vaporware of Longhorn even though it <br />is well over a year away and may not be the OS currently being <br />hyped.

[System Tyrant]

The Other Alternitive PDF's

I don't think everyone realizes how many "alternitives" to pdf are out their. They are not direct competetors to PDF, but a nusiance all the same. My point here is that the world doesn't need more way to show a document. It needs one standard way with many different way to create and view them.<br /><br />I think Microsoft would better benefit from creating a better publisher and viewer for the PDF format. They could also, with others, push adobe to let loose of the PDF standard and move it to an open working group that could control the PDF standard like W3C does with HTML.<br /><br />Although Microsoft has every right to bring a competing document format to the table it doesn't benefit the end user that much. All it does it create more problems for the end user. They will be no different than all those other half baked alternitives to PDF except that Microsoft will be backing it. I have no doubt that they will at some point get rid of PDF export from Office and use only thier format. Creating more problems for those that choose to use better office application.

[Stating]

Free vs. $299

There are a lot of folks who would like to be able to distribute portable documents but don't want to spend $299 for Acrobat. This is particularly the case for home users, small businesses, education, and non-profits. Metro will offer a free, simple solution for these users. Many do not need all the bells and whistles in Acrobat. Once Longhorn is released and gains momentum, I expect that Adobe will attempt to counter by offering a lower-end version of Acrobat aimed at these markets. Of course, it will be too little, too late, a defensive rather than offensive strategy. You could make the case that buying an upgrade to Longhorn, at let's say $149, is half the price of Acrobat alone, and all the other benefits of Longhorn are included for free.<br /><br /><br />Keith<br />www.techcando.com

Buy a Macintosh...

PDF printing comes standard! It's free.<br /><br />Macintosh, it just works!

[pcLoadLetter]

The cost of free can be high

Especially if it is not cross-platform. What happens if people on other platforms need the document? How much money did you save now?<br /><br />Not too mention all the security vulnerabilities that they will likely add, to increase its "value".

[My-Self]

Create PDF documents for free ...

You can already create PDF documents for free.<br /><br /><a class="jive-link-external" href="http://sourceforge.net/projects/pdfcreator/" target="_newWindow">http://sourceforge.net/projects/pdfcreator/</a><br /><br />PDF Creator is setup as a PDF printer. It's both fast and stable and creates PDF just as good as those made using Adobe tools.

[System Tyrant]

Free

There are a lot of free or very cheap alternitives to Acrobat. Some may not have all the functionality of Acrobat, but for the common user it's probably just fine.<br /><br />We don't really need another portable document format. The PDF standard needs to be seperated from adobe and others need to build publishers and viewers for PDF.<br /><br />I don't know if people really get this concept, but we don't need more document formats we need better software to create and view one document format. Unfortunatly, like Sun and Java, I don't think adobe is just going to let go of the PDF format to a standards body. However, that is exactly what needs to be done.

[Eggs Ackley]

Missing the point

If Microsoft just wanted to provide a value service to their customers, they would, add to Office, the option to "save as PDF".<br /><br />But what's in it for them? Other than to cut Acrobat sales in about half. It would put a big hurt on Adobe. But PDF would still be the prevelant document exchange format.<br /><br />No, what frosts Bill's @$$ is that PDF is so widely used and he doesn't own it.

Silly.

I'd point out that Acrobat is not required to <br />produce PDFs. First, you can use Adobe's web <br />service to conver MS Office formats to PDF. <br /> <br />Also, non-Microsoft software that can read/write <br />Office documents frequently supports PDF <br />natively (e.g., OpenOffice and StarOffice). <br /> <br />Non-Microsoft operating systems like Linux and <br />OS/X can generate PDF documents from any <br />application with no additional software (using <br />the same mechanism as Acrobat in Windows, as a <br />matter of fact). <br /> <br />The point it, PDF is a very open and simple <br />format. It's widely deployed and there are <br />already reams of code for working with <br />PDF-formatted documents. Microsoft could easily <br />permit all applications to write PDF (even <br />import text from PDF) and write a PDF viewer of <br />their own (heck, there are at least 6 I know of <br />for Linux). <br /> <br />Grandma only has to pay money because MS needs <br />to pay someone to reinvent the wheel.

[unknown unknown]

Reply

There are other applications that can create PDFs and many of them are free. Open Office for example can export any document to PDF. The advantage of PDF is that's it's cross platform and the format has been published and is freely avaliable to anyone interest in developing software that works with PDFs. Then there is the fact that there is a ton of content out there already in PDF format. I really don't see any point in Microsoft reinventing the wheel here.

[cdahl]

Nitro PDF - $99

Hi,<br /><br />I read your comment and thought you might like to download the evaluation for Nitro PDF. We're looking to provide an alternative to Acrobat for users who just find it cost prohibitive.<br /><br />- Chris.<br />___________________________________<br /><br />Chris Dahl - Chief Technology Officer<br />ARTS PDF<br />[e-mail]<br /><a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.artspdf.com/" target="_newWindow">http://www.artspdf.com/</a><br />Official PDFlib Global Integrators<br />----------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />The Acrobat® alternative is here... Try Nitro PDF? now: <br /><a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.nitropdf.com" target="_newWindow">http://www.nitropdf.com</a>

Re: Free vs. $299

Correct. Free. <br /><br />What about OpenOffice? <a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.openoffice.org" target="_newWindow">http://www.openoffice.org</a><br /><br />An excellent opensource suite, it has PDF Export as one of its features, can read MS Word/Excel documents, and lots more... <br />There are a number of other free pdf writers out there. Just do a google search on "free pdf" and you'll get a number of hits...<br /><br /><br />Maurice<br /><br />Disclaimer: I am not associated with any of these products...

[cdahl]

Read carefully -- there is a low-cost Acrobat alternative available now

As mentioned in the article itself, Nitro PDF is the first true alternative to Adobe Acrobat, priced at $99 USD. <br /><br />It allows you to create, comment (add sticky notes, draw on document), secure, search, create forms and a whole lot more. Just like in Acrobat.<br /><br />- Chris.<br />___________________________________<br /><br />Chris Dahl - Chief Technology Officer<br />ARTS PDF<br />[e-mail]<br /><a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.artspdf.com/" target="_newWindow">http://www.artspdf.com/</a><br />Official PDFlib Global Integrators<br />----------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />The Acrobat® alternative is here... Try Nitro PDF? now: <br /><a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.nitropdf.com" target="_newWindow">http://www.nitropdf.com</a>

[one2three]

NitroPDF

Thanks, I've downloaded the NitoPDF trial and it seems great to me. A whole new world has opened. It's hard to imagine why Adobe could be any better.

Adobe needs the competition

First off, PDF is great. It makes a great way to cut document size and still keep the look and feel of the original. And online forms are so much easier than having to print and fill in the blanks. But some of their install configuration leavs a lot to be desired. When I do an upgrade on a product, I want it to upgrade...Not add another version which seems to be the way Acrobat reader behaves. PDF is great but if Microsoft gets it right...

[System Tyrant]

I agree...

somewhat. Competition is good. However, we don't need another "portable format" we just need better ways to access one format. Competition based on on the software not on the format. However, like sony, Microsoft sounds like they want to compete for the format over the software. I'm sure that they could make a format that is better or equal to PDF, but the end user just ends up with more headaches. I hope Microsoft understands this, but given their past recored on competing I doubt it.

[trgbeck]

Foxit Faster then Abode

Foxit PDF Reader 1.3.0429 beta <br />Foxit PDF Reader is a small alternative to Adobe Reader (the download size less than 1MB), so you can download it quickly. <br />It doesn't need any lengthy installation, so you can start to run it as soon as you can download it.<br />And it starts up immediately, so you don't need to wait the annoying "Welcome" screen to disappear.<br />Foxit PDF Reader is extreamly easy to use, just double click it to start and then click open button to open your PDF document. <br />If you want to print, click on "Print" button. If you want to setup the page layout for printing, select "Print Setup" from "File" menu.<br />Foxit PDF Reader runs on Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP/2003. It is provided by Foxit Software Company for free non-commercial use!

[MacSmiley]

Mac OS X Already Made This Ancient History

Why is this even a news item? <br /><br />Mac OS X's Quartz Extreme rendering engine has been based on <br />PDF technology from the get go. By the time MS gets LongYawn/<br />Metro out the door, Mac OS X will have had PDF as part of the <br />Print dialog for over 1/2 a decade!!

[manodud]

Tactical first move

I feel it is a very strategic first step in attacking PDF - initially providing the basic technology FREE with Longhorn. Adobe would be definitely alarmed by this move. Would this lead to another (mini) browser-war kind or probably is it too early to speculate anything?

cross platform

since when has cross platform been a M$ objective. They only <br />go cross platform to spoil, JAVA, Mpeg4, HTML

Quicktime

unfortunately some of the codecs used in QT are not free. So <br />the ability to author into them comes at a price. If what you are <br />say were true the Microsoft publishing department wouldn't have <br />had a whole van load of MAC G5's delivered.

Macintosh Dominates Publishing

Macintosh computers dominate the publishing world and for <br />that reason alone the PDF format will stay firmly entrenched in <br />the business. The use of PDF workflows has grow <br />tremendously in the last couple of years. Microsoft has been <br />promising Longhorn for a long time now. Mac OSX is in its 4th <br />generation now and left Windows in the dust a long time ago. <br />The Macintosh INSTALLED base may only be around 10% of total <br />market share but in the publishing world it is near 80%. All the <br />numbers the media keep posting about the Macintosh having <br />only 3% market share are based on new purchases (which <br />include terminals at every checkout at Wal-Mart etc..) not <br />installed base.<br /><br />My two cents

[bobby_brady]

Remember Adobe ATM?

That was toast when Windows 3.1 came along. I project this will hurt Adobe in the long run. That is probably why Adobe is licensing the pdf framework.