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SoftMaker Rolls Out Office Suite for BSD, Linux, and Others
martin-k writes "Commercial office suite software is coming to FreeBSD, Linux, Windows, Sharp Zaurus and Windows Mobile. SoftMaker, a German developer, recently released SoftMaker Office, a multi-platform office suite that excels in Microsoft Office compatibility, claims to be much leaner and faster than OpenOffice.org and works on many operating systems, down to PDAs." While SoftMaker certainly isn't new, it is nice to see them roll out a finished suite as opposed to one-off programs.
Nothing sickens me more then a commercial office suite software going commercial. And for offices no less. Offices are the worst kinds of room. Where will all this filthy commerce end?
Are you serious? I felt like you were spitting on my face screaming at me
Well, yeah. I had to dodge a bunch of assholes in black who were running after me with nightsticks and trying to shoot me with a tazer, but it was worth it.
Fortunately, SoftMaker is only a Word and Excel replacement, and for many users, the level of Word and Excel support is probably more than they need. Sure, SoftMaker may have better support for the really complicated Word and Excel formats (see their comparison page for some examples), but how many people really come across 3-d graphics in everyday life?
The bigger problem for most people is PowerPoint slide decks, especially the ones generated by marketing departments that have sound and animation. This is where the shortcomings of OpenOffice hit me the hardest --- and fortunately, SoftMaker doesn't have a solution. So is it worth it to pay USD $70 for a Word and Excel replacement which is more complete than what is currently available in the OSS world and avoid having to watch and listen to the inane drivel the marketing department consider the height of intelligent discourse? Definitely.
As a Linux user I've been waiting for years to get this chance. I'm afraid your *edge operating system just doesn't quite have the market share needed to draw development for third party technologies.
"Don't forget Scribus, it's excellent for DP"
There's a reason Desktop Publising is usually abbreviated DTP.
When the policeman of the tie, rule you violate, hello punishment of the kitty?