Microsoft will bring to market a new application that it says will make it easier for companies to manage data internally and engage in business over the Internet by using documents produced in a universal data format that can be recognized by any computer. The product, XDocs, will become part of the Office suite when it's released next year, the company said Wednesday.

A combination design tool and word processor, XDocs lets office workers and other professionals automatically produce documents and forms according to XML protocols without any programming knowledge. XML is a more-flexible variant of the Web language HTML that structures data according to rules that make it recognizable to any application that incorporates XML support, regardless of operating system or hardware platform. That means XML data contained in a document such as an annual report could be easily pulled into an XML-compliant spreadsheet.

By automating the process of XML document creation, Microsoft hopes to boost its use while enhancing the value of its Office tools. "The way we can get our customers charged up is by giving them tools that give them quicker access to data that helps them make smarter decisions," Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said. The company did not say how XDocs will be priced.

Microsoft isn't the only vendor hoping to cash in on the growing interest in XML among businesses. Canadian software maker Corel Corp. earlier this week released Ventura 10, which also helps users create XML content, as does its recently unveiled XMetal 3 publishing application.

The interest in XML among software makers isn't surprising, given its potential. In an interview, Ballmer said Wednesday that XML promises to improve everything from business collaboration and information management to helping companies connect with suppliers. "It puts information at workers' fingertips, which is a pretty important place for it to be."