Microsoft has stated that it will not now release WinFS as an add-on for Windows Vista.

WinFS is the name given by Microsoft to a solution intended to replace the traditional disk based filing system of Windows with a database focused solution based around Microsoft SQL Server. This is intended to let users search across all applications/files quickly and easily and to allow better management of the increasing amounts of information found on PC disks.

Originally intended for release in 2001 it is now most likley to be released as part of a future version of SQL Server.

Visualfiles Ltd, formerly Solicitec, one of the leading providers of case management systems in the UK has been acquired by LexisNexis.

Visualfiles have 450 customers mainly in the UK of which approximately 300 are law firms.

The change of name from Solicitec to Visualfiles a few years ago marked a change in direction for the company as its products became more sophisticated. Having started out as a vendor of case management systems the company's products evolved into highly sophisticated work flow applications, suitable not just for a range of different legal work types but also for other business process both within the legal profession and within other sectors.

Not only do LexisNexis have a sophisticated workflow tool to add to their range of productivity solutions, but they also have a unique opportunity to integrate their legal knowledge products into the workflows of their customers. This is an idea which has been discussed and explored in the market previously not taken beyond the stage of initial discussion.

Now when a lawyer reaches a particular stage in a workflow or legal process they can be linked automatically to the relevant knowledge resources that they need at that particular point in time.

Hummingbird, one of leading suppliers of document management, records management and associated technologies to law firms is facing a take over bid from competitor Open Text.

The board of Hummingbird have recommended that shareholders reject the unsolicited offer.

One of the reasons for the rejection is that the board are currently negotiating a potential transaction with Open Text pursuant to which Open Text would acquire Hummingbird at a price higher than US$27.75 per share which has been offered to shareholders.

The bid is a sign of the growing consolidation in this market place and follows the take over of iManage by Interwoven a few years ago. Most vendors in this market place have been buying in complementary technologies to complete their offering in the enterprise content management arena. However, with the likes of Microsoft, Oracle and IBM starting to make serious inroads into this market, the future of many of the vendors remains uncertain.