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