IBM's Symphony for the Office Worker (review/intro)

Discussion in 'other software & services' started by Pedro, Oct 3, 2007.

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  1. Pedro

    Pedro Registered Member

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    Could the new productivity suite from IBM threaten Microsoft's popular Office software?
    http://www.technologyreview.com/Infotech/19447/

    Have a read, maybe we should keep an eye on this one.
     
    Last edited: Oct 4, 2007
    Pedro, Oct 3, 2007
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  2. Bob D

    Bob D Registered Member

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    Bob D, Oct 3, 2007
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  3. Pedro

    Pedro Registered Member

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    Thanks for the link, appreciate it. This review has caught my eye on some things: tabbed interface, and you can have a spreadsheet for instance next to the word document tab, odf, plugin architecture (ppl can build plugins for it), etc.
    While still beta and buggy, it shows promise. Multiplatform too.

    I can see much more than just an office suit. :)
     
    Pedro, Oct 3, 2007
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  4. Peter2150

    Peter2150 Global Moderator

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    Considering Symphony never did catch on like 123, which was the clear early winner, and given how 123 was essentially abandoned, I think IBM, was a real uphill battle to try and unseat MS Office. I am not holding my breath.

    Pete
     
    Peter2150, Oct 3, 2007
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  5. lucas1985

    lucas1985 Retired Moderator

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    It's based on OpenOffice 1.x, but it shows a sleek and more productive (?) interface.
    This interface could generate mass adoption if it's ported to OpenOffice. I recognize that OO's interface is a bit hard for a newbie.
     
    lucas1985, Oct 3, 2007
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  6. Peter2150

    Peter2150 Global Moderator

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    Thats going to make it an uphill battle to try and put a dent in MS Offices domain. I know for me, I use much of office, and the integration within and without is to critical. I run several other key apps that interface directly with office products, and don't with anything else. Thats a show stopper right there.

    Pete
     
    Peter2150, Oct 3, 2007
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  7. lucas1985

    lucas1985 Retired Moderator

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    Yes, OO/LS won't penetrate environments where Office is deeply integrated. But home users, students, new business are a big market. Seriously, how many Office users use more than few basic functions? OO has them and the compatibility with Office formats (up to Office 2003) is very good. Hardcore Office users with some time to spend will find that OpenOffice isn't just a basic suite.
    Add the ODF and PDF support, the multi-platform nature, the user-friendly GUI (Symphony) and you have a real competitor.
     
    lucas1985, Oct 4, 2007
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  8. Pedro

    Pedro Registered Member

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    Incredible how no one complained about the link :eek:
    I've edited the first post.

    BTW, i agree with Lucas, but understand your perspective Peter.
     
    Pedro, Oct 4, 2007
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  9. Peter2150

    Peter2150 Global Moderator

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    I also agree with Lucas, and have looked closely at OO myself. I like it, but the integration issue is always the show stopper.
     
    Peter2150, Oct 4, 2007
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  10. Bob D

    Bob D Registered Member

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    Bob D, Oct 4, 2007
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  11. acr1965

    acr1965 Registered Member

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    acr1965, Oct 4, 2007
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  12. lucas1985

    lucas1985 Retired Moderator

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    Interesting, thanks :)
     
    lucas1985, Oct 5, 2007
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