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Bollaroid II · Mar 27, 2003, 08:24 PM

Since its obvious that Apple will eventually release a full suite of office that will compete against Office (witness Keynote) I thought it nice that we brainstorm for possible names of the suite and the individual apps. This post is fr the name of the enitire suite which will consist of

Wordprocessor - ?
Spreadsheet - ?
Presentation - Keynote
Database - ?
Idea generator/app for brainstorming and organizing ideas - ?
Report Generator - ?
Collaboration - ?

mishakim · Mar 28, 2003, 08:54 AM

I voted for iWorks, but I don't think it's likely, just the most likely of the choices presented. I think any reference to Works is unlikely, because it's usually associated with free/starter suits, specifically AppleWorks and Microsoft Works (one of the greatest oxymorons of all time). But I don't think referent to Office is particularly likely either, but I could be wrong there. Problem with it is, even though there's various things out there that use the word, everyone associates it with Microsoft.

Assuming that Apple's product (and I'm not convinced there will be one) is based on StarOffice or OpenOffice.org, how about OpenApple? On second thought, that's not too likely either, no-one would know what it was. Since all the multimedia apps are iLife, perhaps iWork (as opposed to iWorks)

mitchell_pgh · Mar 28, 2003, 09:45 AM

I like iWorks (hey, I still like the "i" thing...) but I think something like "Free Office" or "Open Works" would be a marketing hit.

For Apple to really "KILL" Office, it would have to spend a TON of money.

1) It would have to take an Open Source application like Open Office and basically make an OS X, Windows and Linux version.

2) It would have to saturate the market with the application. ie. Free download, free copy in every magazine, every earthlink CD, AOL CD and send a copy to every business, and educational institution in the US and abroad.

3) It would have to market the new free office application as being "FREE FOR LIFE!!!"

Office has such a strangle hold over the industry... much like Windows...

People are under the impression that "M$ Windows + M$ Office = Standard"

We need to show people that Microsoft is gouging prices!!! I don't understand how people feel comfortable spending almost $300 - $400 for an office application when a Free solution should be available.

bradoesch · Mar 28, 2003, 11:22 AM

Originally posted by mitchell_pgh:

3) It would have to market the new free office application as being "FREE FOR LIFE!!!"

Sounds like mac.com email...

slider · Mar 28, 2003, 11:51 AM

Right, and to state what you inferred, It would need to run on all platforms. Suppose making it free would be the only chance to topple the M$ Office Strangle hold, but you know Apple will charge for this and it will probably be $99.

Um, to back track, how do we know Apple will be putting out an Office suite such as this? Just b/c of Keynote? I like Free Office at any rate.

willed · Mar 28, 2003, 12:13 PM

Apple won't put out an office 'killer'. It will put out an Office lite alternative, which is AppleWorks. At the moment it needs a major upgrade though. Hasn't really changed since Claris 3/4

mitchell_pgh · Mar 28, 2003, 12:40 PM

To be honest, we don't know that Apple is building an office application.

But there is some information floating around that apple hired a majority of the GoBe Productive guys (they made the original Claris Works, didn't like the direction Apple was going and started their own company) and have had them working on a "Top Secret" project.

I guess it could be Apple Works 7. The only reason I say that they are trying to make a Open Office port (or any other Open Source office application) is that:

1) All of the major iApps are based on Open Standards
2) Safari is a port of an Open Source project
3) Proprietary file formats are so 1980's (or should I say "so Microsoft")

I know Apple probably isn't going to do what I would like them to do (develop an Open Source office Application for 3 platforms and market it as being an Office killer), but if they just bump Apple Works again, less and less people will use it until the project is killed off...

xtal · Mar 28, 2003, 12:40 PM

Originally posted by mitchell_pgh:
We need to show people that Microsoft is gouging prices!!! I don't understand how people feel comfortable spending almost $300 - $400 for an office application when a Free solution should be available.

But OpenOffice is already available!

I think something like iOffice might fly, but I'm happy using OpenOffice for the time being, and may still after Apple releases their office suite.

The irony is that I discovered OpenOffice after paying for MS Office...

cube-dude · Mar 28, 2003, 01:20 PM

I've heard that the word processor is tentatively called "Document".

mitchell_pgh · Mar 28, 2003, 02:17 PM

Originally posted by xtal:
But OpenOffice is already available!

I know that OpenOffice is available, but you still need to install X11, and it's not very "mom" proof (ugly interface, non aqua feel etc.).

What we need is something VERY clean and simple to use but with some advanced features (like what we get with Keynote [transparency, alpha channels, good interface, easy to use...).

slider · Mar 28, 2003, 04:01 PM

I've been trying to get my dad to upgrade to a new iMac and he was wondering about what came with the mac as far as and office suite. I showed him AppleWorks and he said that is all he needs. He uses M$ office at work, yet he is not willing to keep paying M$ the kind of money they are asking for it. But I think what we are talking about is removing Apple's dependence on M$ for this App and maybe present a true alternative to other platforms. I really don't think any office suite should be more than $100.

xtal · Mar 28, 2003, 04:09 PM

Originally posted by slider:
I really don't think any office suite should be more than $100.

I agree with you, but I don't envision this as a possibility.

First, Keynote alone will tip the scales nearer to $100 than we'd like.

Second, a full office suite (word processor, spreadsheet program, presentation app, etc.) has enough development hours in it to warrant a price tag over $100.

As much as I'd hate it, I think the new offering from Apple (assuming it's in the 'works'

) will cost upwards of the three digit mark.

mitchell_pgh,
You're correct, but it does fit the bill quite nicely for intermediate to advanced users. I have yet to try the Windows version, but am curious about it.