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Apache OpenOffice

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Apache OpenOffice
Apache OpenOffice
Software: Apache Software Foundation and contributors Screenshot: VulcanSphere · Apache License 2.0 · source
NameApache OpenOffice
CaptionApache OpenOffice Writer in version 4.1.14
DeveloperApache Software Foundation
Released08 May 2012
Latest release version4.1.15
Latest release date21 December 2023
Programming languageC++, Java
Operating systemWindows, Linux, macOS
GenreOffice suite
LicenseApache License 2.0
Websitehttps://www.openoffice.org

Apache OpenOffice. It is a free and open-source office software suite, developed as a project of the Apache Software Foundation. The suite provides tools for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, and databases, serving as a major alternative to proprietary suites like Microsoft Office. Its development lineage traces back to StarOffice, which was acquired and open-sourced by Sun Microsystems in 2000, leading to the creation of the original OpenOffice.org project.

History

The origins of the software lie in StarOffice, a proprietary suite developed by the German company Star Division. Following its acquisition by Sun Microsystems in 1999, the source code was released in 2000 under the Sun Industry Standards Source License, creating the OpenOffice.org project. This move was seen as a strategic challenge to the dominance of Microsoft Office. After Oracle Corporation acquired Sun in 2010, concerns about the project's future led many developers to fork the code, creating LibreOffice under the stewardship of The Document Foundation. In 2011, Oracle donated the original OpenOffice.org code and trademarks to the Apache Software Foundation, where it entered the Apache Incubator and was rebranded.

Features

The suite emphasizes compatibility, supporting the OpenDocument Format (ODF) as its native file format while maintaining strong support for legacy formats from Microsoft Office, such as DOC and XLS. It includes a powerful equation editor based on MathML and offers extensive language support through built-in dictionaries and hyphenation patterns for over 100 languages. Advanced features include a macro recorder, support for digital signatures in documents, and the ability to export files directly to PDF format without additional software. Its user interface, while reminiscent of older versions of Microsoft Office, is highly configurable.

Components

The suite is composed of several integrated applications. Apache OpenOffice Writer is a full-featured word processor capable of producing large documents, mail merges, and desktop publishing. Apache OpenOffice Calc provides spreadsheet functionality with support for complex formulas, data pilot tools, and charting. Apache OpenOffice Impress is used for creating multimedia presentations with slide transitions and animation effects. Apache OpenOffice Draw is a vector graphics editor and diagramming tool, while Apache OpenOffice Base offers database management with a native HSQLDB engine and connectivity to external sources like MySQL. Apache OpenOffice Math is dedicated to creating and editing mathematical formulas.

Development and community

Development is managed as a project under the Apache Software Foundation, following the collaborative principles of the Apache License and the Apache Way. The project is primarily volunteer-driven, with contributions from individual developers and corporate sponsors. Major development discussions and decisions occur on public mailing lists, and the source code is hosted on Apache Subversion repositories. The community also focuses on extensive localization efforts, with native-language projects working on user interfaces, documentation, and support. Releases undergo rigorous testing through publicly available beta versions.

Reception and usage

Upon its relaunch under Apache, it received positive reviews for its stability and commitment to open standards, with particular praise for its strong OpenDocument Format support. It has been widely adopted by public administrations, educational institutions, and enterprises seeking cost-effective and vendor-independent solutions, including various government bodies in European Union member states. Comparisons with the more actively developed LibreOffice often note that development pace has slowed, but it remains a popular choice for users preferring its classic interface and perceived stability. It is frequently bundled with various Linux distributions and recommended by advocates of Free and open-source software.

Licensing and distribution

The software is distributed under the permissive Apache License 2.0, which allows for free use, modification, and redistribution for both private and commercial purposes. This licensing model contrasts with the copyleft approach of the GNU General Public License used by LibreOffice. The suite is available for direct download from the project's website and through numerous third-party distributors and open-source software portals. Installation packages are provided for major operating systems including Microsoft Windows, Linux, and macOS, with system requirements designed to support older hardware. The license also permits its inclusion in commercial products and custom deployments by IT departments.

Category:Apache Software Foundation projects Category:Free office suites Category:OpenDocument software