ArcGIS Data Interoperability is now available from the ArcGIS install version 9.1.

ArcGIS 9.1 is the next major release of ArcGIS and will be a full release of ArcGIS Desktop (ArcReader, ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo), ArcGIS Engine, ArcGIS Server, ArcIMS, and ArcSDE.

ArcGIS 9.1 will focus on improved quality, stability, and performance. It will include all service pack improvements, user requested quality improvements, and enhancements across all the products. The ArcGIS 9.1 enhancements include

• Additional geoprocessing tools for a more robust geoprocessing environment at all product levels, particularly in ArcView.
• Release of ArcGIS Network Analyst as an optional extension for advanced routing and network analysis in ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Engine, and ArcGIS Server. ArcGIS Network Analyst provides tools for the creation, maintenance, and analysis of networks, including routing (point to point, optimal, time constrained), service areas, and closest facility. ArcGIS Network Analyst also supports multimodal routing between networks (e.g., streets and highways, railways, bus routes, and street sidewalks).
• ArcGIS Publisher to publish 3D globes as well as 2D maps. The ArcGlobe application of ArcGIS 3D Analyst will be part of ArcReader. ArcReader will read published globe documents and allow users to easily share both their 2D maps and 3D globes.
• Ability to save map documents to previous ArcGIS versions (e.g., ArcGIS 8.3) for ease of migration.
• Integration and enhanced productivity of schematic generation and editing in ArcGIS with an updated release of ArcGIS Schematics as an optional ArcGIS Desktop extension.
• Inclusion of the ArcGIS Data Interoperability extension as a standard optional extension.
• Introduction of the Esri Developer Network (EDN) to address the needs of the developer community, including greater availability of additional developer help and developer samples.
• Broader support of Open GIS Consortium map standards, including Web Mapping Service client, Web Feature Service, Web Catalog Services, and Catalog Services.

All users who are current on their maintenance will automatically receive ArcGIS 9.1 once it becomes available. The release of ArcGIS 9.1 is scheduled for the first half of 2005.

This release was previously announced as ArcGIS 9.0.2. However, due to additional features and functionality, it was renamed ArcGIS 9.1. This means that some features previously announced for a 9.1 release will be moved to a subsequent release.

For the latest information about future releases of ArcGIS, visit www.esri.com/arcgis.