Tim Danton at PC Pro confirms rumours I’d heard that Microsoft was strong arming the title over open source apps:
There can be no doubt that Microsoft is afraid of the open-source movement. Last month, as part of the conditions for allowing us to include Office 2007 on the cover disc, Microsoft Corp – in many ways a company distinct from the far cuddlier and more approachable Microsoft UK – wouldn’t allow us to put any open-source software onto the same disc.
Ouch!
I’m not a fan of OpenOffice – I find it ‘ugly’ at a time when I’m starting to believe design matters. Everything I’ve seen of Office 2007 so far tells me Microsoft has done a pretty decent job of redesigning the user interface. On the other hand, Microsoft’s approach to ad starved print media cannot be condoned. To me it’s a metaphor for how they treat customers.
Ooooh yes – According to Slashdot, as of next week tomorrow, Microsoft plans to charge $1.50 per download of the Office Beta. That doesn’t seem a smart move either. How are Microsoft partners expected to explain that away? Just at a time when partners are being encouraged to laud the benefits of integration between Microsoft Office technology, its own business applications and those developed by ISVs.
Hat tip to Matt Aslett – one of my old editorial chums.
Technorati Tags: Microsoft Office 2007, open source
