CNET: Gates Trots Out Longhorn

As we've reported a few times earlier (see Related Posts below), there has been a lot of speculation of late as to whether or not the XML syndication format RSS (or its would-be successor, Atom) might become a preferred format for corporate newsletters and similar content over email. In a recent post on the subject, I commented, "My own answer to that question is 'no,' at least until Microsoft were to bake RSS directly into the browser or email client." I forgot another possibility: Microsoft baking RSS directly into the operating system.

Chris Pirillo just pointed out to me that in a preview of Microsoft's upcoming overhaul of its operating system, code-named Longhorn, Bill Gates noted that RSS subscription ability will be provided right on the desktop. As far as I'm concerned, that's it, it's a done deal. RSS is going to go mainstream if Microsoft is behind it. Whether it gathers momentum or not with the masses before then (Longhorn is due out in the 2005/2006 timeframe) remains to be seen, but everyone in the email space should be planning towards a future when RSS rules, IMHO.

Related Posts:

Cracking the Code for Tracking RSS Readers
RSS, 'The Email Killer,' But Maybe for Real
Gillmor Argues Email Is Doomed
RSS Taking the Email out of Email Newsletters
RSS Gains Ground As Ad Medium
Outlook Plugin Makes RSS Feel a Lot Like Email
It's Not the End of Email, But Watch RSS Grow