This is part 25 of “101 Ways AI Can Go Wrong” - a series exploring the interaction of AI and human endeavor through the lens of the Crossfactors framework.
View all posts in this series or explore the Crossfactors Framework
Can the past hold the future hostage?
Backwards compatibility is concept #25 in my series on 101 Ways to Mess Things Up with AI.
➡️ What is it?
Backwards compatibility is a characteristic of technology to interact with older that precedes it, whether this is by design, necessity or obligation.
➡️ Why It Matters
While backwards compatibility may be closely tied to legacy infrastructure, it may also be designed as a feature, selling point or as part of an adherence to an agreed upon protocol. There is a fine balance between providing the level of compatibility that users may expect or that may benefit a product’s adoption versus stifling current and future innovation potential.
When it comes to AI, models are published and updated often and developers are tasked to guard against breaking changes. But this must be balanced with new capabilities that enable new workflows while rendering others obsolete.
➡️ Real-World Example
Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system is reaching end-of-support this Fall. Its successor, Windows 11, is compatible with many older computers but not all. These computers, if they continue running Windows 10, will no longer be protected by security updates and may be vulnerable to exploits.
It is expected that many owners of such machines may consider switching to Linux, which has many versions with continued support for older hardware.
➡️ Key Dimensions
Technical Debt - while it’s usually seen as an internal problem to be managed, technical debt can also refer to older released hardware and software to continues to be supported.
Consumer backlash - consumers can be vocal when they may not understand, or simply disagree, with new products that are not backward compatible.
Quiet successes - not all backwards compatibility is a trade-off and the best successes go on quietly, such as USB 3.0 and HDMI.
➡️ Take-away
Backwards compatibility is a strategic choice, not just a technical one.