3 ms·
10 years ago was around the time Microsoft switched to entirely new, XML-based file formats. So it might have something to do with that, i.e. the compatibility
by ptx 9y ago
10 years ago was around the time Microsoft switched to entirely new, XML-based file formats. So it might have something to do with that, i.e. the compatibility work being diluted by now having to aim for a new target in addition to the old one.
Perhaps a "fire and motion" strategy[1] on Microsoft's part?
[1] https://www.joelonsoftware.com/2002/01/06/fire-and-motion/ https://www.joelonsoftware.com/2002/01/06/fire-and-motion/
- megaman22 9y agoIn theory, at least the XML based format should be easier to maintain compatibility with than the old "dump whatever is in memory" binary formats. At this point, it's been long enough that the old formats aren't seen anywhere near as often as the x formats they replaced. Wonder if it'd be cost-effective to just drop support for doc and xsl and double down on docx and xlsx?