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- coit, on 10/12/2007, -28/+101Office 2007 will see a VERY slow adoption rate among corporate users. The user interface is so radically different many folks will just stick with what they have.
- dpcamp, on 10/12/2007, -8/+79this is a really crappy article...
all you have to do is save as a 97-2003 document. anybody that has used office 2007 knows this. - EtherGnat, on 10/12/2007, -21/+82@ coit
If you're right it only shows how Microsoft can't win. Office 2007 is one of the most significant upgrades to Office ever, and the ribbon interface is a drastic improvement by most accounts (including mine). When Microsoft goes for consistency they're criticized for not being innovative and people say there's no reasons to upgrade. When they actually try something new they're criticized for changing things and forcing people to relearn tasks.
We'll be switching over immediately here, and I can't wait. - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -11/+62"We will be providing a converter that allows Mac Office users to read and write the formats new to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007. I am unfortunately unable to discuss dates, but we definitely understand the importance of getting these converters out." -- Microsoft
source: http://blogs.msdn.com/microsoft_office_word/archive/2006/09/27/774087.aspx#792656
Stop digging this paranoid *****. On the STUPIDITY scale, that's nearly as retarded as claiming that the vastly improved ribbon interface in Office 2007 is some kind of a "setback".
I swear, Digg is getting more and more filled with morons by the day... - brentzilla, on 10/12/2007, -18/+54@markthewiz:
It would be fine if they were simultaneously launching the Mac version with the Windows version. They are not. - fjc8, on 10/12/2007, -4/+33OpenXML is a new XML-based format. Files aer smaller, and the format is supposedly open. This means that open source software should find it easier to interoperate.
You do want interoperability, right? - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -1/+21Microsoft? Aren't they a game console company or something?
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -5/+21With that mindset you'll never introduce anything innovative either. Progress is good my friend!
- colincornaby, on 10/12/2007, -2/+16The new version of Office on the Mac can read these formats, and that is coming next year. In the mean time, the current version of PC office can still write the old formats.
Remember, this is "lock-out" for whoever is running an old version of Office on Windows too, it's hardly a Mac specific issue. - Lazybones, on 10/12/2007, -0/+14http://blogs.msdn.com/microsoft_office_word/archive/2006/09/27/774087.aspx#792656
Yes, MS is providing an update to both Office 2003 on PC and Office 2004 on MAC to convert and read the new format.
Also you could just save to the old format in Office 2007 just like you have been able to for years in the current versions of office. - NateB2, on 10/12/2007, -5/+19@buelldozer
Actually, the file sizes are 2-4 times smaller. I have tested it myself with multiple files in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.l
Why does MS not save the documents in the OD format? Simple. The OD format does not provide the functionality they require. They made their own format that is easily accessable and non-proprietery. You can actually rename the document as .zip and view the file structure inside. You can modify the .xml files directly, if you want. How is that locking you in? Any company can download the specs from MS's website and create their own app that is 100% compatible with the new format.
Regarding backwards compatibility: If someone is using an earlier version of Office (2000-2003, I think), if they attempt to open an Office 2007 document, they will receive a prompt that guides them through downloading an add-in that will read the new format. They then can view, edit, and save Office 2007 document. They will not be able to use any new features of Office 2007, though. - Philodox, on 10/12/2007, -0/+14The new Office 2007 files are considerably smaller (around 1/2 the size).
For a 35 page word document I have saved in both formats:
doc: 876kB
docx: 453kB
For a 25 slide presentation with images and graphs:
ppt: 492kB
pptx: 163kB - Buelldozer, on 10/12/2007, -12/+24@fjc8,
Smaller? Bwua ha ha ha ha. Sure they are.
Anyway, why not use the XML standard that ALREADY existed? You know, the one that the OO guys created? Why invent a new one?
I'll tell you why...lock-in.
My last comment has already been dugg down below the threshold, and it saddens me to see that so few people agree with questioning why the largest software company in the world goes out of it's way to break compatibility with their own products as well as everyone elses.
It doesn't have to be this way, it really doesn't. - MonkeyFit, on 10/12/2007, -6/+17You can always save them as Office 97-03 .doc files
there's an option right in the drop down menu when you save a file. - stmiller, on 10/12/2007, -8/+18"Would you really expect an older version of Office to be able to read the newest version?"
Well, YES actually. That is why new versions are such a pain. Why can't they build in a backwards compatibility? Or just use an open standard format. - uhbeta, on 10/12/2007, -29/+39Open Office has a long way to go
- maninblac1, on 10/12/2007, -2/+12Uh, duh, you couldn't open word 2002(XP) documents in word 97, there was compatability issues between 2002 and 2003. So why is anyone surprised you can't open 2007 docs in 2003, or 2004 for the mac users.
- uhbeta, on 10/12/2007, -0/+9Microsoft has announced a Mac version of Office 2007 it just isn't out yet....
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&ct=res&cd=7&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.internetnews.com%2Fdev-news%2Farticle.php%2F3633326&ei=35J1RYKlLajeqAKyytmRDw&usg=__0PpwKLuUQ5dQu6irroWMRFLx2lU=&sig2=KtQ1vT6x__7JBXZmNyd-BQ - UltimaNut, on 10/12/2007, -7/+16"Would you really expect an older version of Office to be able to read the newest version?"
Because they always have?? - canyonblue, on 10/12/2007, -1/+10The title of this is totally wrong and I buried it inaccurate.
MS will offer a FREE DOWNLOAD that will allow Mac Office 2004 to read the new Office 2007 format. This download will be available prior to the consumer launch of Office in 01/07.
Also MS will launch Office 2007 for Mac in late 07 or early 08. - dangerboy13, on 10/12/2007, -2/+11Microsoft has stated that they are working on conversion utilities, they just don't have a timeline. In the meantime, just use the current formats. Office 2007 should be able to save as the current Office 03 formats, and you will be fine. This happens whenever there is a major change in an application, not just with Microsoft. Just because you don't like Microsoft, don't act like this is the only time this has ever happened.
- alc0h0lic, on 10/12/2007, -2/+10By the time that '07 documents will be commonly used, microsoft will have released a update for office2004. So I don't understand what the fuss is all about ...
- EtherGnat, on 10/12/2007, -3/+11Somehow I suspect *everything* reminds you of gay.
- cr3ative, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7You're right. You don't matter.
:) - mingistech, on 10/12/2007, -2/+9But can the older versions of Office for the PC read the documents either?
If this is something that ONLY the newest Office 2007 can read it's not that big of a deal.
....and the Mac Buisness Unit at Microsoft said that they are currently working on Office 2007 for the Mac. So, i'm not sure what the big deal is? - TheMOb, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7I can't stand all of these babies complaining without knowing all of the facts. If your read the specs of the new versions, you would obviously know that older version can user the 2007 docs if saved in the older format (which you can set to do as the default). So for all of these companies that do not want to spend tons of money to upgrade all of their clients, they will easily be able to coexist with the new versions. Also, MS has an add-on to office XP/2003 that will allow them to read the .docx format if you wanted to.
Stop complaining and start reading - get the facts straight before you post. - InetRoadkill, on 10/12/2007, -7/+14Simple solution: If you want to keep your compatibility with other users, then don't use Office2007. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. You're under no obligation to switch just because microsoft launches another lame attempt to lock you into their products.
- smitting, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7Heh, I'll answer my own question. Yes, yes it is.
http://joeanderson.co.uk/blog/2006/01/26/dismantling-a-docx/ - pureliquidhw, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7what's that? people read the article before they digg it? weird...
- EtherGnat, on 10/12/2007, -2/+8"I really don't understand"
You should have stopped there. Try reading beyond just the title and description and use your brain and you'll understand why your comment is wrong. - stevievep, on 10/12/2007, -0/+6How is this different than the situation with existing Office PC versions? They don't recognize the new formats either, so 'save as' and/or set default to save as old school and life goes on.
- Philodox, on 10/12/2007, -2/+8Actually, file sizes are a big deal. I'm a university student and I frequently email documents, presentations, and spreadsheets to my professors and classmates. My school gives me a very limited inbox (50MB) so reducing the file sizes helps considerably.
On my work terms similar things happen, except that at work I'd just keep the file in my inbox and never get rid of it. So a company could save money in infrastructure because network traffic and storage costs have been reduced. Granted, it's not going to be a 50% reduction or anything like that but even a 0.5% helps.
When all microsoft office programs standardize on the new format next year this will be a completely moot point. Even now it's a non issue because Office 2007 can save in 97-2003 format anyway. - johnbmtl, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5************************************************************************
Comment by stmiller:
"Would you really expect an older version of Office to be able to read the newest version?"
Well, YES actually. That is why new versions are such a pain. Why can't they build in a backwards compatibility? Or just use an open standard form"
************************************************************************
Backwards compatibility is the ability for a NEW program to read OLD program file formats. Not the other way around as you suggest. How can you expect a programmer in 2004 to know what format will be used by programmers in 2007? - NateB2, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6@evolver
You can save pdf files in Office 2007 too! In fact, you can say "Send as pdf attachment," and Office will export the file to pdf and stick it in an email. Very convenient. - donpdonp, on 10/12/2007, -2/+7In other news: Doom doesn't play Quake IV .wad files and Windows 98 can't run the Vista AERO Interface. EVERYBODY PANIC.
- ZennZero, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5@ markthewiz
@ stmiller
In fact, there is limited "forward" compatibility in existing versions of Office. Office 2k can usually open Office XP and 2k3 files without major issue. Occasionally there will be a small rendering issue, but most of the time it works. I would like to see MS update at least Office 2k3 (and, ideally, XP) to support read support for the XML-based files.
That would probably go a long way towards hastening acceptance of the new format. Otherwise, most people with a clue will be using Office 2k7 so save in the old formats to maximize compatibility with other users... - nevetS, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6Funny, most of my clients haven't even made it to Office 2003 for company standards. I can see 2K7 gaining a little bit more traction as I'm sure there will be a government push to utilize standards based document formats - but I would bet that most corporate environments won't support the new formats until 4th Quarter 2007 at the earliest, let alone standardize on them.
- stmiller, on 10/12/2007, -7/+12Why would you say openoffice has a long way to go? I can understand some businesses needed some of the more advanced features of word, or excel. But for 99% of your average Joe user out there openoffice is more than enough.
- Burmask, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6Quit bitching and find an alternative if you don't like MS.
- smitting, on 10/12/2007, -4/+8hmmm... anyone have a copy of a docx document? that screenshot looks strangly like the format is a set of xml files in a zip.
- northerncomfort, on 10/12/2007, -2/+6Last week I received several email attachments from China that I needed to open immediately. Huh? .docx? I couldn't open it up as a Word document, text document, or anything.
THE SOLUTION: Change the extension to .zip. Opening it will create a folder. In the document subfolder, you will find the raw XML file for the document. .docx on Mac solved. - Lazybones, on 10/12/2007, -4/+8Move along nothing to see. This is news?
Office 2007 can save to nearly all of the old Office formats. There is no reason to thing companies will suddenly jump to the new docx format over night.
Also just like for Office 2003 on PC MS will be providing an update that will allow you to read the new format on the old office.
http://blogs.msdn.com/microsoft_office_word/archive/2006/09/27/774087.aspx#792656 - hifiDesign, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4@coit: Agreed — companies like the one I work for are so skittish and conservative that they have yet to roll out IE7. My creative department is the only progressive user base of relatively new software (and we just upgraded to Mac OS 10.4 a few months ago).
The irony of it is that if a company waits too long, you end up with abandonware that no one wants to support when it gets wonky. We've clung to Extensis Suitcase 11 for far too long and are finally moving away from it, but support requests are usually met with a "tough *****". - SirBotchness, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5Then everyone bashes them for not having any originality or creativity. It's a double edged sword. It's stupid if they make it non-backwards compatiable with office xp, 2000 and before. I know here at my work auto updates aren't on, and if someone is issued a new computer with vista and office 07, and tries to send a supervisor a document he can't open that it will be....unpleasant.
- necromancerr, on 10/12/2007, -2/+6So what? Just use OpenOffice, like me.
- mxcl, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3Quite, people look at the screenshots and see new UI ideas and think it mus be different. If they actually used the UI they'd notice it is still very MS Office, icons are the same, things are in the same places, shortcuts are the same. It takes about an hour to get used to it and people always say they are more productive due to the new design.
- raingrove, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4By spreading FUD like this, you are actually harming Apple, not Microsoft.
- jrbrewin, on 10/12/2007, -2/+5coit "The user interface is so radically different many folks will just stick with what they have."
actually, if you've used office for mac 2004, you'll notice that the interface isn't that different. for windows relevant icons from the toolbar / menus move to the ribbon. In office 2004 the process of moving common tasks to context sensitve ui elements was already in place. . . instead of a ribbon there was a floating, context sensitve, collapsable icon bar. radically different from the ribbon.. not quite.
back on topic. more anti microsoft FUD in an apple post? Who'd have thunk it. the docx, etc formats are microsoft's answer to what people have been crying about for 6 years - a lack of an open, xml office format.
Is it compliant with the open office document format? no.
Is it more open, and more documented than office 2003 document formats? Yes.
is it a step in the right direction? Yes.
additionally, as with the windows version, the choice of 'traditional' office formats are there, if you know where to look.
additionally, viewers are available. - northerncomfort, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3Easily open .docx on a Mac:
http://digg.com/apple/Easily_Open_docx_On_A_Mac - JerodSlay, on 10/12/2007, -2/+5nvm, that site doesn't work with docx
You're screwed. -
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