home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
Collection of Tools & Utilities
/
Collection of Tools and Utilities.iso
/
bbsutil
/
idccom12.zip
/
ZIPVIEW.ZIP
/
ZIP.PRS
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1989-02-14
|
3KB
|
68 lines
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