Microsoft Windows Vista: What Does It Mean for Printers?

Amidst all the media hype around the long-awaited release of Microsoft’s new Windows Vista operating system, there has been little discussion about a key feature that will be important to our industry: XML Paper Specification or XPS. The name is misleading—XPS is a complete rewrite of the printing subsystem within Windows, and depending on the type of work a printer is receiving electronically, it could make a huge difference in the reliability of printing a wide variety of file types, including Microsoft Publisher and Microsoft Office files.

Here’s how Microsoft describes XPS on its developer site:

The XML Paper Specification (XPS) makes modern documents possible for all. Simply put, XPS describes electronic paper in a way that can be read by hardware, read by software, and read by humans. With XPS, documents print better, can be shared easier, be archived with confidence, and are more secure.

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About Cary Sherburne

Cary Sherburne is a well-known author, journalist and marketing consultant whose practice is focused on marketing communications strategies for the printing and publishing industries.

Cary Sherburne is available for speaking engagements and consulting projects. To get more information contact us.

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