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KOffice To Use Open Office File Format

Posted by simoniker on from the k-for-double-good dept.

InodoroPereyra writes "This article at The Dot indicates that the KOffice developers decided to switch to the Open Office file format (OASIS) for their next major release. Excellent news both for KOffice, which will benefit from OpenOffice's excellent filters, and for the GNU/Linux Desktop users in general, who will benefit from a unified file format standard between these office suites."

7 of 48 comments (clear)

  1. Let's hope this will be the new trend by tsa · · Score: 5, Insightful

    This is very good news. Finally we have a choice between different word processors that use the same format. I think this can certainly help organizations in their decision to migrate or not to migrate to Linux. Let's hope this will be the new trend for the future.

    --

    -- Cheers!

  2. Abiword by aderuwe · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I guess we should be poking the Abiword developers now to do the same.

    1. Re:Abiword by BrokenHalo · · Score: 3, Insightful

      True. Abiword has lots of things going for it (not least the fact that it's *much* quicker to load than OpenOffice) but being based around yet another file format can be a real show-stopper.

    2. Re:Abiword by dominator · · Score: 2, Insightful

      That's only completely valid if there can be a perfect translation from KWord's file format to OOo, or if Kword redesigns how it does certain things so that it matches OOo's expectations of the world. This is what I highly doubt, and I speak from some considerable experience when saying so.

      Dom

  3. Old files by SgtChaireBourne · · Score: 4, Insightful
    I interpret the actions of that individual OASIS member that is not participating has too much of an interest in not participating. Its word processor part of the two things not yet making a loss and has historically relied on lack of forward compatibility to drive a rack of new purchases - HW, OS, misc. apps.

    Basically, that "other vendor" is facing irrelevancy. Especially looking at the proposed changes with DRM, server lock-in, a proprietary XML schema and the software as subscription model.

    The OASIS format supported by Koffice, StarOffice, and OpenOffice.org is not only cheaper and more flexible, but safer in the long run because it's open. That means you're not locked into one platform, one vendor, or even on package. Though the differences are not so dramatic in a word processor, package independence means that individuals can choose the tool that works best for their needs or work methods and still collaborate.

    Being an open format means you don't have to depend on the goodwill of a monopoly to keep your format alive. Nor is there a risk of breaking the DMCA, EEA, commit a computer related crime and violate several patents when you try to read that 5 year old file.

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    Beta is broken and the link to classic doesn't work. Stop wasting our time or there won't be anybody left here.
    1. Re:Old files by BigBir3d · · Score: 3, Insightful
      Basically, that "other vendor" is facing irrelevancy. Especially looking at the proposed changes with DRM, server lock-in, a proprietary XML schema and the software as subscription model.
      No, actually they are facing a uninformed public, and higher profits through new revenue streams. As long as Dell et al bundle software for decent rates, MS can't help but to make money hand over fist.
  4. Re:So this one format it: by BrokenHalo · · Score: 2, Insightful
    Does anyone know of a good ANSI editor for X?

    Yes. it's called emacs. And you don't even have to be running X, or even Linux for that matter.

    Yes, I know it takes a couple of days to get productive with it, but once you've got past the initial learning curve it's very easy, and quick to use with Tex if you're into real typesetting.