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in reply to Re: Manipulating MSWord files in a linux box?
in thread Manipulating MSWord files in a linux box?

Thanks, it's a very interesting suggestion and I like the idea of the content being in a structured XML file.

The only bad thing about this is that I can't predict if the client will have the appropriate Office/MSWord version, and since it's a commercial product it would be bad to force the client to buy a software so he can use mine...

Update: on a related subject, take a look at Problems with Microsft's new Office 'XML'. It seems that MS is already causing us trouble...

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Re^3: Manipulating MSWord files in a linux box?
by Tanktalus (Canon) on Oct 04, 2005 at 21:24 UTC

    I agree - I'd hate for you to force me to use MSWord at all ;-)

    Alternate suggestions. Whether they're nearly as draconian is up to you.

    Manipulate PDF files instead. Require the user to send you a PDF instead of a doc file, and use that instead. Have a link to some open-source print-driver that outputs to PDF for those who have older word processors on Windows. Have a link to openoffice.org for all platforms as a good way to write to PDF.

    Manipulate openoffice.org .sxw files instead. Forcing the client to buy software is one thing. Forcing them to use software that doesn't cost them anything is quite a bit different. Different enough? You decide.

    Otherwise, you'll probably be stuck with moving your code over to a Windows box where you can use OLE. Even that is dangerous in a web server - I'm not sure what happens when two users come in at the same time ... ;-) At the very least, test it to be sure.