Microsoft Corp, as reported briefly (CI No 2,328), has signed a messaging and directory interoperability agreement with the AppleSoft division of Apple Computer Inc. The deal involves providing cross-system messaging and directory services, and delivering the software necessary for users to share information across Macintosh System 7 and Microsoft Windows operating systems. The arrangement focuses on four main aspects: access from either system to the messaging and directory servers provided by either vendor; interoperation between the two companies’ messaging and directory servers; support of the Apple Open Collaboration Environment capabilities in principal Mac productivity applications from Microsoft; and support for Common Mail Call’s programmatic calls on both systems. Under the agreement, Microsoft will provide a personal gateway that will enable AOCE-based PowerTalk users and applications on Macintosh and PowerBook computers to access and use the messaging and directory services provided by Microsoft’s future information management products, say the companies. The agreement also calls for Apple to support a subset of Common Mail Call, a set of common cross-system application programming interfaces from the X.400 Application Program Interface Association. Microsoft says it plans to include these application programming interfaces with MAPI in all future versions of Windows; according to the partners, having Common Mail Call support available on both systems will allow corporate and professional developers to use a common application programming interface set for mail-enabled applications targeted to run on both Windows and Macintosh. Apple and Microsoft also intend to jointly develop a server-based gateway that will allow Apple’s PowerShare Collaboration Servers and Microsoft’s future information management products to access and use each other’s messaging and directory services. Following the signing of the agreement, the companies say that they will be announcing specific products, features, capabilities and schedules throughout the next 12 months.
