Microsoft Corp. announced a new set of technologies designed to enable developers to build business solutions based on the next version of Microsoft Office, code-named “Office 11.” A new set of tools, code-named “Visual Studio Tools for Office,” enables Visual Studio .NET developers to use Microsoft’s application development tool to build solutions based on Word and Excel documents, as well as several new XML development experiences. Microsoft will continue to support Visual Basic for Applications. Using “Visual Studio Tools for Office,” developers can create applications written in Microsoft Visual Basic .NET and Microsoft Visual C# .NET that run in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. “Visual Studio Tools for Office” will be available in conjunction with “Office 11” in mid-2003. “Office 11,” features enhanced support for XML, including improved object model programmability, the ability to use XML schemas, built-in support for XML Web services and a new smart document solution model. Word and Excel templates can be designed with an underlying customer-defined XML structure. Integrated support for XML Web services in “Office 11,” along with support for XSL and XPath, leverages existing Office and Web development skills. www.microsoft.com/office/developer/preview

eMotion, Inc. announced the launch of CreativePartner Project, a service that allows customers to engage eMotion’s digital media management software solution and hosting services on a project-by-project basis. The new offering enables eMotion to target a much broader range of customers seeking a digital media management and collaboration solution for creative projects, but not necessarily on a continuous basis. The CreativePartner Project service includes set-up, hosting, operation and administration of a web-based digital media management solution for as little as two weeks to as long as six months or more. Clients can establish a project workspace for their assets (graphics, photos, video and audio files). In addition to CreativePartner Project, eMotion offers licensed software solutions MediaPartner Enterprise, CreativePartner and ArchivePartner. www.emotion.com

eTrack Solutions announced the availability of eTrack Web Portal. The new portal establishes a single technology platform that can enable a worldwide web site, an employee intranet, and multiple company extranets. The eTrack Web Portal includes features for creation and modification of web pages, customization of the look and feel, news posting, document management, application integration, database integration, user access control and management and file uploading. A portal administrator can customize navigation, modify content, publish content, maintain a document library, post news, manage user access and security, upload files to a web page and define multiple page templates. Portal administrators do not require a software programming background. The eTrack Web Portal was developed using Microsoft.NET technology. www.etracksolutions.com

IMS announced the launch of IMS SiteManager, a content management product for the Web, aimed at small to medium-sized businesses and organizations. IMS SiteManager features easy-to-use content management tools that allow customers to manage and update their Web site from any browser. Customers can choose modules to expand on functionality, adding an online store, events calendar, site search, and many other options. IMS SiteManager offers a diverse portfolio of quality designs. Customers can choose a stock design appropriate for their needs, or work with IMS designers to create a custom look for their site. Other features include hosting, training and ongoing support for the content management tools, free version updates, and the ability to expand capabilities with additional modules. IMS SiteManager has an annual license fee starting at $2495.
www.ims.net

Workshare announced the launch of its new metadata product, Workshare Metawall. Workshare’s new product addresses the problems with hidden metadata in Microsoft Word documents and acts as a tool for document control and protection. Workshare Metawall 1.1 is designed as an enterprise solution to clean documents of unwanted metadata before they are sent out via email to external parties. The product integrates with and enhances Microsoft Outlook and Document Management Systems. In future modules of Workshare Metawall, the product will focus on cleaning metadata and also on the problem of document control. The next version of the product, to be released during the first quarter of 2003, will tag Microsoft Office documents to be sent externally via email in order to restrict delivery to prevent sensitive documents from leaving the organization. Documents may also be tagged so that the proper approvals must be received before they can be sent externally by email. www.workshare.com

Primus Knowledge Solutions released Primus Answer Engine version 3.0 with new capabilities for answering customer questions in Web self-service and assisted service environments. Answer Engine 3.0 enables companies to take advantage of valuable content that already exists in disparate corporate databases and document repositories by consolidating access with self-service search. Answer Engine uses proprietary natural language search technology to deliver precise answers to incoming questions without forcing businesses to build or maintain complex taxonomies. When a user types a question in natural language, the Answer Engine analyzes the usage context, parts of speech, and other language characteristics to match the question to available content, and returns the correct answer with the relevant text highlighted inside the document. The software can deliver information from 225 document formats, including Lotus Notes, ODBC-compliant databases, and legacy systems. Answer Engine 3.0 runs as a standalone technology or in conjunction with Primus eServer. Answer Engine 3.0 is Web Services-based, built on J2EE, and will support deployment on Windows or Solaris. The Answer Engine operates in six languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Dutch. www.primus.com

The OASIS interoperability consortium announced that its members have approved the ebXML Collaboration Protocol Profile and Agreement (CPPA) v2.0 as an OASIS Open Standard, a status that signifies the highest level of ratification. ebXML CPPA defines business partners’ technical capabilities and documents agreements between partners, enabling organizations to securely engage in electronic business collaboration. ebXML CPPA was developed by Commerce One, Cyclone Commerce, E2open, Hewlett-Packard Company, IBM, Intel, IONA, Mercator, SAP, SeeBeyond, Sterling Commerce, Sun Microsystems, Sybase, TIBCO, Vitria, webMethods, and other members of the OASIS ebXML Collaboration Protocol Profile and Agreement Technical Committee. In related news, the ebXML OASIS UN/CEFACT Joint Marketing Team published version 1.0 of the ebXML Adoption Update, a listing of ebXML implementations, projects, products, and industry initiatives from around the world. The ebXML Adoption Update is posted at www.ebxml.org/ebxml_jmt/index.htm#documents, www.oasis-open.org

Adobe Systems Incorporated announced the availability of Adobe Document Server and Adobe Document Server for Reader Extensions. Adobe Document Server lets customers dynamically assemble customized Adobe PDF files from a variety of data sources to create technical manuals, electronic forms, contracts, business reports and invoices. The software enables enterprises to tap into existing ERP, CRM and CMS systems, document management systems, and databases to generate custom business communications in PDF. Adobe Document Server also supports Extensible Style Language Formatting Objects (XSL-FO). Adobe Document Server for Reader Extensions offers the ability to assign usage rights to Adobe PDF documents and forms. Once these rights have been assigned, users of Acrobat Reader version 5.1 will be able to save, fill and route PDF forms, add electronic sticky notes for comments or questions, and digitally sign completed forms. Adobe Document Server pricing starts at US$20,000 per CPU. More information on licensing and pricing is available at www.adobe.com/products/server/products_purchase.html, Acrobat Reader 5.1 is available free-of-charge at www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html