Microsoft shares more info about products

SEATTLE The Redmond, Wash.-based software company says it will ensure open connections to its high-volume products by publishing technical information about them on its Web site. Microsoft won't make software developers obtain a license or pay royalties or other fees.

With Thursday's announcement, Microsoft is hoping to make it easier for software developers to make products that work well with the Vista computer operating system, Office word processing application and other key Microsoft products.

Google Inc. has been successful in encouraging developers to make add-ons for Google's maps and other popular services. Google is increasing challenging Microsoft's dominance in software products.