14 DAY TRIAL // OpenZone has confirmed that its PlusOffice suite of office apps is coming to Mac. Based on the OpenOffice.org office suite, the features offered include a spreadsheet, text, and mathematical-formula editor, as well as a graphic program and multimedia presentation application. The Mac version should see its official release any day now.
That's not all, though. Users also have access to a data base creator and editor program, can import and export of PDF files, and have the ability to view or edit documents in MS Office formats such as doc, xls, and ppt.
The free version, dubbed PlusOffice Free, offers: Writer - text editing; Calc – spreadsheet; Impress - multimedia presentations; Base – database; Draw – graphic program ; Math – mathematical formula editor. It is available for multiple operating systems, including Microsoft Windows, Solaris, and Linux, while the Mac “will be available at the end of 2008,” OpenZone says.
PlusOffice Free edition is licensed for an unlimited number of computers, according to its makers. OpenOffice uses ODF (Open Document Format) as the default format for its documents. This allows PlusOffice users to view and edit the respective files. Lastly, they benefit from 21 Document Templates.
“The ODF standard is becoming widely used by business and public sector, including US State and foreign governments,” OpeZone argues, adding that Microsoft is also planning to support the ODF format.
As for the paid version ($34.95), users get eligibility for upgrades, dictionary / spell-check, support for 17 languages, 37 document templates, 12 presentation templates, and 199 backgrounds, complete with a whopping 3,461 clipart Images. Best of all, PlusOffice Suite users get tech support and an online Knowledge Base to troubleshoot anything that may arise.
We'll be posting an update as soon as OpenZone launches the Mac version of PlusOffice - download links and everything. In the meanwhile, tell us how satisfied you are with the office tools you use right now.