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OpenOffice.org V3.0 Sets Download Record, 80% Windows
thefickler writes "The newest version of OpenOffice, version 3.0, has set a download record in its first week of availability. Most surprising is the fact that over 80% of downloads were from Windows users. As one commentator noted, when it comes to a choice between almost identical software (e.g. Microsoft Office and OpenOffice), price is the determining factor."
OpenOffice.org 3 sounds like it's going to be great. And I'll start using it as soon as it shows up in the Ubuntu repository and I get prompted to update. Until then, I guess I won't. I guess that a lot of other people are having similar thoughts. (Not to mention, consider the number of MS Windows users compared to all non-MS Windows users, of course the majority of downloads are going to be for MS Windows.)
As for price, price is not a factor in me not using MS Windows (I just don't like it compared to GNOME, etc.). However, given the choice between MS Office and OpenOffice.org, it is.
However, it isn't the only thing, I just prefer OOo. I've been using it for a good number of years (and the only thing that used to piss me off was not being able to word count selections, they fixed that), and I've gotten used to the little quirks.
It also does things simply better! Take creating a business card, MS Word doesn't even come with a template for that job! (Not that OOo makes it easy... Why no bottom and right margin setting?)
I wank in the shower.
I've been scorched before on slashdot for praising MSOffice, but again I beg to disagree that this is a "choice between almost identical software".
The functionality, features and ease of use of MSOffice (as compared to Open Office) still make it far superior.
Particularly, the new interface of MSOffice makes it much easier and intuitive to use (for most users) compared to any other office automation software.
You have a point. I would conjecture that the dissimilarities of OpenOffice.org and Microsoft Office 2007 are one of the driving factors in OpenOffice.org's adoption.
That's EXACTLY why I downloaded OOo 3, and use it at home. I was so pissed off that market dominance made me switch from WP to Word, and that the time I spent learning Word has been wasted, since MS changed almost everything around. My desktop at work still has an older version of Word, but my home machine, a company-supplied laptop, has 2007 installed.
I know I am preached to the converted, but that was the worst marketing decision they could possibly make, imho.
when it comes to a choice between almost identical software (e.g. Microsoft Office and OpenOffice), price is the determining factor.
Actually, I'm currently doing my Master's thesis on this exact topic, namely the switching barriers between Microsoft Office and OpenOffice.org. I'll post a summary of the full empirically assessed results to Slashdot when the study is complete. Currently, however, it looks like that Apathy is a much stronger factor than price. In fact, the author of the article hints at this:
In the past, it's always been included on my computers which is fine
Another important factor which I have hypothesized (and the literature suggests is accurate) trumps price is user inconvenience. Most users will pay to avoid hassle of any sorts. Further, most users will pay to avoid PERCEIVED inconvenience, even if, in reality, there would be no inconvenience. The FEAR of inconvenience is enough to make them continue to pay.
If you would like more details about my empirical research on this subject, feel free to contact me. A paper on the subject will be published by the Open Source Business Resource in the spring.
I'm an English speaking PPC OS X user, you insensitive clod. I finally gave up waiting and grabbed the Spanish language version. But there still in no English version for OS X on the PowerPC.
Prime numbers are exactly what Alan Greenspan says they are -S. Minsky
(assuming os x makes up 0%, which is possible due to neo office)
Now that OpenOffice has native support for OS X, I switched from NeoOffice to OpenOffice 3. I don't see the need anymore for an extra layer above the original software, and releases which lag behind those of OpenOfiice. I suspect a lot of Mac users are doing the same.
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MS Office 2007 has been doing quite well in the real world:
The Microsoft business division, which includes the Office suite of software, grew 20% to $4.95 billion. Microsoft's Profit Rises, But Outlook Is Damped [October 24]
20% growth in one quarter. If the tech sector as a whole is in the ICU with double pneumonia, Microsoft has a case of the sniffles.
Microsoft Office 2007/8 holds 4 of top 25 slots in software sales at Amazon.com.
In the retail market, Microsoft Office is bigger than games.
It is bigger than anything.
"Here's the really interesting statistic," said Chris Swenson, NPD's director of Software Industry Analysis. "Over two-thirds of the dollar volume growth in the U.S. retail PC software market in 2007 can be attributed to Microsoft Office. The ratio of Office dollar growth to total PC software growth is 67 percent." The Year of Office 2007
The geek tends to quote the max price for the retail box that he can find - and it can be useful to insert a correction.
Office Home & Student is about $100 at Amazon.com, with a three seat license.
The price of four ink jet cartridges - and if you can't afford the consumables, you can't afford the office suite, at any price.
The direct sale academic price for Office Ultimate is $60. The Ultimate Steal If your employer has a volume licensing agreement with Microsoft, Office for home use is the price of the media plus S&H. Home Use Program