Getting business done, getting legal and lowering cost. Sounds like an easy formula right. Well one big expense has to do with creating documents, spreadsheets and email. Some companies may have a good justifiable need for solutions provided by Microsoft such as the Microsoft Office suite. Components of course are MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access. You do get a lot for the high price tag. No doubt, superior features and support. I'm reminded though of my experience with Kirby vacuums. Don't know what a Kirby is. Basically it is the Ferrari of vacuums. It has a lifetime warranty for 2 lifetimes, just kidding. My point is that though it was superior in everyway possible, it was overkill. Did i mention it was $2,000? Yeah i know.

Some business don't need the absolute top of the line office product. Again being the fan of open source let me tell you about OpenOffice.org This application suite can give you the full feel and function of the Microsoft Suite with one low price. FREE! Your a struggling student, lawyer or real estate agent (well at least in this day an age) you need to get work done here is a solution you can afford. The other very very nice thing about this particular product is its interoperability to function with the mainstream one along with other Office suites.

Let me know what you think?

LEGAL STUFF: I know that it is pretty easy and very tempting to just find a copy of the Microsoft Suite to download and install. However here is a totally legit way to go without running the risk and maintaining within ethical business standards.

Why haven't I heard about this on TV? Well its simple. A lot of software is developed and created by volunteers. Engineers and professionals who give their time to develope this without thought of capitalizing on their work. Since you can download and use this for free on as many computers as you want, its kind of hard to get the money going for advertisement. However I don't mind TELLING everyone about it, I'm hear to spread the news!!

Breakdown:

Mainstream - MS Office Alternative - OpenOffice.org

MS Word                            Writer

MS Excell                           Calc

MS PowerPoint                 Impress

MS Paint                            Draw

MS Access                        Base

Tell me what you think?