Microsoft, Adobe clash over PDF format usage in Office 2007

Adobe may sue Microsoft if the facility to save as .pdf files is included in Office 2007.

Windows users will not be able to save files in the popular PDF format starting from the new version of Windows Office 2007. Microsoft has dropped its plans to include the format because of an ongoing dispute with Adobe Systems Inc, the makers of PDF format.

Since the new version of Office, the Office 2007 users will have to download separate software which converts Word or Excel files to PDF formats. The Office 2007 will be out in January 2007.

Microsoft plans to launch its own software which cannot be modified easily, to replace the PDF or Portable Document Format. Microsoft's new software is called XPS (XML Paper Specification).

Microsoft had earlier decided to include PDF formats in Office 2007, but since the talks between the two companies failed, Office 2007 users will not have the flexibility to use PDF files. Adobe wanted Microsoft to charge the Office 2007 users to use the PDF files or XPS. Microsoft was not too keen on this idea and instead said that it will offer them as separate free downloads.

David Heiner, Microsoft's deputy general counsel said that he expects Microsoft to take legal action against Adobe, perhaps in the European Union.