Public Windows Interface supporters aim to standardize leading desktop API

Public Windows Interface (PWI) is an effort by several computer industry leaders to ensure that the Microsoft Windows application programming interface (API) moves into the world of open systems. By formalizing the existing API as a standard, PWI will provide a snapshot to which developers can refer and upon which they can build their applications. By making PWI an open standard, all parties will have an equal opportunity to compete and to propose future changes. PWI supporters have encouraged Microsoft to submit its complete API to a neutral standards body and to agree to abide by changes and extensions approved by that body. So far, Microsoft has declined to do so. Certain of the technology companies who see the value of creating a formal standard have committed resources to the laborious task of fully and formally documenting the API. These companies will submit the resulting specification to the appropriate neutral standards body upon its completion, where it will be available for all to use at no cost. With PWI as a new standard, users will be able to choose among multiple implementations, leverage their prior investments, and use familiar applications on a host of new devices. Independent software vendors will benefit from a more stable, open API, and will be able to funnel their resources into new development. Systems vendors will broaden the range of applications available for their platforms. In short, PWI will bring the benefits of open systems to the PC world.<>