MS-Word is a step-backwards for financial planning software

[yesthattom]

With the ability to construct tables of numbers, one could use MS-Word to balance your checkbook. However, it would suck. It would be a major step backwards.

You think I’m silly for saying that, right?

Well this report is getting a lot of press. A bunch of database gurus are complaining that MapReduce is a major step backwards. (MapReduce: A major step backwards).

It’s an equivalent comparison.

(oh, and for their boast that returning to C++ instead of a higher level language like C++, they don’t even mention that Sawzall is, for all intents and purposes, what they are crying out for.)

In other news, this brand new microwave oven I’ve bought is absolutely a step backwards from automobiles and trains that I previously used to get to work.

A much more mature response is here.

Comments

[hcoyote.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I saw that report and boggled a bit.

[arkham1010.livejournal.com]

i saw that on /. and was thinking 'wtf are they complaining about'

[awfief.livejournal.com]

never heard of it...that's why I don't read things like slashdot or "Database Column".

It is interesting though -- I'm guessing the frame of mind came from whatever the request was that was mentioned at the beginning. For instance, I see that column as a GREAT response to "Do you think MapReduce will eliminate the need for database systems?"

But seeing the answer on its own, yes, it's a bit odd. Perhaps it should have been jabbed at more, like "it's comparing apples to oranges, here's where MapReduce is good and here's where DBMSs are good."