Writer is OpenOffice’s word processor, similar to Microsoft Word.Its tools are similar to Office 365 components and other Microsoft products:
The popular open-source Apache OpenOffice software provides everything a small business owner needs in an office suite.
Some offer full suite alternatives to Microsoft Office, while others offer core programs with their own versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
You can download these free office suites to a wide range of devices. But if you work with Macs, iCloud, and Apple Watches, iOS and iPhones make more sense.
If you’re entrenched in Google products, Android is the logical choice. Android for business, your choice may boil down to your current tech ecosystem. This would be iOS or macOS if you rely on Macs, iPads and iPhones – or you might primarily utilize Windows, Android or Linux devices instead.įYI: When it comes to iOS vs. Platform compatibility: The office suite you choose must be compatible with the platforms – mobile and desktop – you and your employees use on a day-to-day basis.For example, a marketing firm will require robust presentation tools, while a wholesaler may never need this software. Breadth of programs: Depending on your business, you may or may not need a full range of programs.Data storage concerns only apply to cloud-based apps, since downloaded apps store data on the company servers. Data storage: The more documents your company produces and the larger their file sizes, the more data storage becomes an issue.
If this is true for your business, it’s best to use an office suite with built-in defenses against spam, malware, phishing and other threats, to be layered on top of existing measures for preventing network security threats and vulnerabilities.
How to choose a free office suite for your business The Microsoft Office desktop version costs around $250, while the Microsoft Office 365 software as a service (SaaS) subscription model costs $6 to $23 a month per user, which adds up quickly.īefore you pay for new software, consider these free Microsoft Office alternatives that might be excellent money-saving solutions for your business. There’s no doubt that Microsoft Office is the most widely used office productivity suite, but if you’re purchasing new computers or replacing old software, new copies can be costly. Sometimes, that means getting creative with your tech decisions.