Novell Inc, Apple Computer Inc, Borland International Inc and Lotus Development Corp have signed a memorandum of understanding for joint development and support a Vendor-Independent Messaging Interface specification, which is intended to provide a non-proprietary programming interface to make it easier for software and corporate developers to write messaging- and mail-enabled applications. The four – and IBM Corp – say they will offer products that support the interface. Apple said it will support the VIM Interface in future versions of System 7, Borland will use it in its products, Lotus will support it in future versions of cc:Mail and Notes, Novell will support it in future versions of its NetWare MHS Message Handling Service products and IBM will support it in its office product strategy. The firms said that the specification will be made available to all interested parties in March and it will be offered on a royalty-free basis.
