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-
- Februrary 14, 1989
-
-
- PRESS RELEASE
-
-
- FROM: PKWARE and Infinity Design Concepts
- RE: ZIP file format and new archive utilities
-
-
- Due to the recent unpleasantness regarding the file format for
- archive files, PKWARE Inc. and Infinity Design Concepts Inc., have
- collaborated in designing a new file format for storing files in an
- archival manner. As with all things, this is an evolutionary
- process. The original archival files in the CP/M world were called
- library files (.LBR), later we had .ARC files, both of which had
- arbitrary structures construant to archiving data. PKWARE and IDC
- have long noticed some shortcomings in the current archive file
- format and have therefore developed a new format. The new format is
- called the ZIP format and is described briefly in this document and
- is hereby commended to the public domain.
-
- One predominant reason that precipitated the new format was the fact
- that one single organization has tried to lay claim to something
- that can honestly belong to no one.
-
- Several new features of the ZIP format, open new doors as far as the
- usefulness of an archive utility goes.
-
- 1. Files may now be archived across multiple diskettes.
- 2. A centralized AND a distributed directory structure
- help ensure the retrievability of ZIPped data
- 3. 32 bit CRC calculations help ensure the integrity of
- compressed data
- 4. The centralized directory will make file access much
- faster.
- 5. Newer compression methods offer better and more efficient
- data compression.
- 6. Pathnames may now be included in ZIP files.
- 7. Filename lengths can vary with the host system.
-
- It is our fervent desire that .ARC file users make the conversion
- over to the new ZIP format, so that we may all get back to a level
- ground of fair competition.
-
- IDC and PKWARE jointly and together hereby decree that;
-
- 1. The ZIP file format is given freely into the public
- domain and can be claimed neither legally nor morally by any
- individual, entity or company (or any other sentient creature
- in the universe.)
-
- 2. The .ZIP file extension denoting the ZIP format is given
- freely into the public domain as above.
-
- 3. Any person or company may utilize the ZIP format in any
- manner so desired for profit.
-
- 4. Anyone may receive a copy of the format specification,
- by sending a SASE to either IDC or PKWARE.
-
- Infinity Design Concepts Inc PKWARE Inc
- 1052 Parkway Drive 7545 N. Port Washington Rd.
- Louisville, Kentucky 40217 Suite 205
- (502)-636-1234 Glendale, Wisconsin 53217
- (414)-352-3670