Last fall, Google announced Google Docs users would not be able to export files in certain Microsoft Office documents after October 1st, 2012. The documents were in the .doc, .xls, and .ppt formats, which were used by Microsoft Office from 1997 to 2003. After a major outcry from businesses and individuals who still use those older versions of Microsoft Office, Google decided to reverse its decision and extend the shutdown deadline to January 31st, 2013.
Now that the new cut off date is fast approaching, Google has repeated that it won"t be extending its export file support for these older Office document files any longer in Google Docs. In a post on the Google Apps website, it states that the deadline will still be on January 31st.
However, for those people and businesses that are still using older versions of Microsoft Office, Google does have a workaround suggestion. Those users can download a compatibility plugin from Microsoft itself. The plugin should allow Google Docs users to view files in those affected formats.
Ironically, the deadline is coming the same week that Microsoft is expected to launch the new Office 2013 to the general public.
Source: Google Apps blog | Image via Google