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.

Ed Note: The following addresses are no longer valid
Download the ZIP file format spec here ->Download Format Spec

Infinity Design Concepts Inc
1052 Parkway Drive
Louisville, Kentucky 40217
(502)-636-1234

PKWARE Inc
7545 N. Port Washington Rd.
Suite 205
Glendale, Wisconsin 53217
(414)-352-3670

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