Re:Mix Friday #8: Double-O
This week, open-source software took on Microsoft this week with a new ad campaign. For the new visibility, and because it’s pretty good stuff, OpenOffice is the pick this week.
Despite recent criticism, OpenOffice is enjoying a wave of good tidings, thanks to its ability to open and save Microsoft Office document formats. If you don’t have a few hundred dollars to plunk down for MS Office, the sharp alternative sports applications that handle Excel, Word, Powerpoint and Access. Free.
OpenOffice certainly has its flaws. Recent bad press, wonky translation and a few other snags make it iffy at times. However, it’s still a great bet.
Hi Ernesto.
re: recent criticism
My article in Email Battles pointed out that, while the French Dept of Defense found more security dangers in Open Office than Microsoft Office, many other factors enter into the ownership equation that accrue to OO’s advantage, especially in Europe.
Longer term, OpenOffice will benefit, as France and Germany pour resources into securing the product they now rely upon.
BJ Gillette
21 July 2006 at 9:22 pm