Does VML compete with GIF and PNG?
No. Both GIF and PNG are raster (or bit-mapped) formats that can be used to store vector graphics. Raster formats store every pixel, whereas vector formats such as VML use mathematical descriptions or outlines to describe the graphics. Vector graphics stored in a vector-based format are more compact than those stored in raster formats, resulting in faster download times for Web users. In addition, VML graphics are delivered inline to the HTML page rather than relying on external files, as is the case with GIF and PNG today. This allows VML graphics to scale and interact with other Web page elements as the page is resized, thus improving the end-user experience.
