Open XML docs now accessible via browser

Relief is at hand for computer users who have Microsoft Office 2008 installed, but need to read Open XML Word documents.

New Zealand-based developer Intergen today unveiled TextGlow, a application that it claims allows users to view Office Open XML Word documents without having to download the files.

Intergen said that the software works irrespective of whether or not users have Microsoft Word or any other Office application installed.

Office Open XML formats, which are based on ECMA standard 376, are the default file formats for the 2007 Microsoft Office system.

"TextGlow is a unique product combining Office Open XML and Silverlight for the first time," said Chris Auld, director of strategy and innovation at Intergen.

"Microsoft Office documents have traditionally required software to be installed on the local machine. The new XML-based file format, coupled with Silverlight, has allowed us to make documents viewable directly through web browsers."

TextGlow was designed and developed by Intergen developer James Newton- King.