Handsontable 17.1 adds Excel export, server data

This is a solid enterprise-oriented release: it closes a few common gaps that teams usually patch together themselves, especially around backend-backed tables and export flows.

• –XLSX export matters more than CSV for real business users because it preserves grid state like filters, sorting, frozen panes, and merged cells.
• –The server-side row model is the bigger architectural win; it standardizes CRUD, paging, filtering, and sorting against an API instead of forcing custom adapters per app.
• –Built-in toasts are small on paper but valuable in practice because async grid actions need visible success and error feedback.
• –The Theme Builder AI assistant is the clearest AI hook, but it reads as a workflow enhancer rather than a core product shift.
• –The docs rebuild and ACR/VPAT publication are enterprise signals, not flashy features, but they strengthen procurement readiness.