My problem is I would like to use OOO but as our main software is accountancy based, every add-in we buy in for a spreadsheet won't work with OOO as Excel VBA won't translate in to OOO. This leaves us with the desire to use OOO but practically, we can't until this problem is resolved, otherwise we are left running incompatible spreadsheet systems for accounts\book-keeping, payroll and producing financial statements and tax returns.
The only other option is to rewrite all the accounts software in to OOO, which we could do in time, but meanwhile we have unsatisfactory systems for producing accurate accountancy documents.
I have scoured the internet for OOO based addins suitable for our business use without success.
I have also spoken to one or two of our specialist software providers who say they won't produce an OOO version as there is no UK market and they would have to rewrite the code. These providers produce Excel based specialist software for calculating tax and payroll etc.
Their argument is they sell their products for around �40 and rely on volume sales as margins are low and those volumes just wouldn't justify the time input to rewrite the addins with the size of the UK OOO market.
Perhaps there would be a market if the same third party support for Excel add ins was available to OOO - maybe the customers are there but won't move until the same third party software support is available for OOO as MS Office
Regards
Steve Sims
Director
Yardleystar Accountancy
PO Box 3988, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6YL
Tel: 0870 242 1047
Fax: 0870 460 2085
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Web: http://www.yardleystar.co.uk
Ah, the problem of closed source applications. One of my biggest headaches.
I am in the process of converting some archives that are in multiple formats over to OOo so they are available in the future. Some of the files will only open in Corel Draw which is not that common.
I do understand your frustration but that is a problem with the software developers who are using a restrictive application. It isn't OOo that is at fault as that plugins are written for Microsoft Office. Of course Microsoft wants the developers to keep doing this because it will keep their customers needing Microsoft Office.
As I use Linux, it makes it even more interesting as there are alot of packages that won't run. I take the time to inform some suppliers that if they want to sell to me, it had better work in Linux or I don't purchase it.
In a low margin industry, you cannot blame them in not supporting OOo. But it may prove interesting as they are in Europe as many organizations and countries are looking at going to open source software. The company may have to convert just to stay in business. If you can provide them with links to validate the need to change for future business, then you may have become their first open source customer.
I know that there are non-open source commercial products available but I am being lazy. :)
Robin Laing
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