IBF is still alive-and-kicking for those of you who have doubts. I am sure that Microsoft will release pretty soon more information on the path IBF will take in the future. Starting in August, 4 Webcasts will be available:

• Information Bridge Framework (Part 1 of 4): Business Logic and Architecture Overview (Level 200) - Monday, August 15, 2005
  This is the first in a four-part series of webcasts highlighting key concepts for developing Microsoft Office Information Bridge Framework (IBF) solutions. This webcast provides an overview of both the business logic and the architecture of the IBF. Using the IBF, you can develop powerful solutions that connect Microsoft Office System programs to line-of-business systems in an intuitive, cost-effective way. These solutions enable information workers to view, retrieve, and act on critical line-of-business information from within familiar, widely used Office applications.
• Information Bridge Framework (Part 2 of 4): Guidelines for Building Web Services (Level 200) - Tuesday, August 16, 2005
  In the previous webcast we gave an overview of the business logic and architecture in Microsoft Office Information Bridge Framework (IBF). This webcast is part two of our series on developing solutions for the IBF. We show you how to construct your Web services so that they are accessible through the IBF to Microsoft Office System based applications across your enterprise.  Join us for part three where we discuss how to understand and manipulate the metadata, which is essential for any core solution using the IBF.
• Information Bridge Framework (Part 3 of 4): Metadata (Level 200) - Wednesday, August 17, 2005
  how to understand and manipulate the metadata that is essential for any core solution using the IBF. Learn how IBF metadata allows you to define service operations, business entities, and user interface elements. The discussion includes demonstrations that take you through the steps necessary to implement a typical action pipeline, define user interface operations, define transformations, and build menus.
• Information Bridge Framework (Part 4 of 4): User Interface Development and Smart Tags (Level 200) - Thursday, August 18, 2005
  This final webcast in our series on developing for the Microsoft Office Information Bridge Framework (IBF) shows you how to design the user interface elements of an IBF-enabled solution. Learn how to use the Information Bridge task pane and implement custom smart tag recognizers.

I am also very excited to again deliver an IBF workshop Thursday and Friday with a nicely filled classroom of IBF enthousiasts.