Does anyone know if there are any file compression functions built into the Windows OS? If so, can these be successfully called using the API?

My example is:

I have an app that is running in about 7 different location around the world. The app reads information from a database and outputs the information to a tab deliminated text file. This text file then needs to be emailed to a person located in here in the U.S.. This text file is about 30,000 records long and is annoying to email over the slow connections that is all that is available to these locations.

I would like to automate a process where the text file is built, and then compressed using VB and/or the Windows API(without purchasing a 3rd party tool).

Any suggestions or help would be appreciated,
Thanks,
HS