interesting as this debate on formats is, what about the future, is this not XML? Given that this will allow the flexibility for people to view (and compose) documents as they want, it seems to be the way forward

Don't forget that XML is a protocol - a framework. You still need to agree and make available your document definitions, and you still need applications that understand them. (I am not an expert, but this is how I always understood XML to work). Just because you define an XML document, does not mean that everyone with an XML reader will be able to use it. They will be only able to use it if : 1. They have access to your document defn (ie you are using a published one) 2. Their reader supports the contents of your tags in the same was as you defined them in the first place. Is there any work around for educational XML definitions (in the same way as definitions for medical records, maths, etc at the moment) for teacher records, student data, etc ? Kevin.