Microsoft and Dassault Systèmes to Align XML formats

3D XML to support and extend Microsoft’s XAML format

Redmond, Wash., USA, and Paris, France - April 14, 2005 - Microsoft Corp. and Dassault Systèmes (DS) (Nasdaq: DASTY; Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) today announced that, as part of their strategic alliance and commitment to jointly delivering value to their customers, they will collaborate to support Microsoft’s Extensible Application Markup Language (XAML) format in Dassault Systèmes’ 3D Extensible Markup Language (XML) format. XAML is the format for "Avalon," the code name of the next presentation subsystem for the Microsoft® Windows® operating system.

 

"Avalon" provides the foundation for building applications and high-fidelity experiences, blending together user interfaces, documents and media content while exploiting the full power of users’ computers. "Avalon" provides native support for declarative, markup-based programming with XAML, making it simpler to build, customize and enrich Windows-based applications.

 

3D XML is a universal, lightweight XML-based format that enables users to capture and share live, accurate 3D data quickly and easily. Dassault Systèmes will use the 3D XML format in its entire line of products: CATIA, DELMIA, ENOVIA, SMARTEAM, SolidWorks, and Spatial.

 

Compatibility between 3D XML and XAML will enable users of 3D solutions to view, modify and customize 3D objects in an environment of unmatched openness and take advantage of this 3D experience in any XAML-based application.

 

"Microsoft sees XML transforming all digital technologies," said Sanjay Parthasarathy, corporate vice president of the Developer and Platform Evangelism Group at Microsoft. "Our deep relationship with Dassault Systèmes includes applying XML to usher in a new generation of 3D collaboration and visualization tools."

 

"The alliance between Microsoft and Dassault Systèmes is a clear commitment to the industry for openness, innovation and technological excellence," said Dominique Florack, executive vice president of Strategy, Research and Development at Dassault Systèmes. "Our work with Microsoft to ensure compatibility between 3D XML and XAML is a critical part of our openness strategy based on XML and is aimed at taking advantage of the Microsoft platform for 3D solutions as well as at providing applications with a rich user experience."