Tagging data files with application information

A method of identifying a creating application for a data file, the method comprising:

• determining if a user is a subscriber to an application service provider;
• offering a subscription to the user if the user is not a subscriber;
• if the user is a subscriber, presenting a user interface via a control application, wherein the user interface allows a user to select a data file to be opened;
• receiving user input at the user interface to select the data file to be opened;
• examining information in the data file to identify a creating application;
• determining if the creating application is available on the user's computer;
• downloading the creating application, if it is not available;
• and
• opening the data file with the creating application.

An article comprising:

• a storage medium, said storage medium having stored thereon instructions, that, when executed by a computing device, result in:
• determination of whether a user is a subscriber to an application service provider;
• if the user is a subscriber, presentation of a user interface via a control application, wherein the user interface is operable to allow a user to select a data file to be opened;
• receipt of user input at the user interface to select the data file to be opened;
• examination of information in the data file to identify a creating application;
• determination of the availability of the creating application;
• and
• downloading the creating application, if it is not available.