For Subscribers

Is it Time to Dump Office? Five things to keep in mind when assessing free alternatives to Microsoft

By Ericka Chickowski

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Improvements in open source and software-as-a-service (SaaS) platforms mean more alternatives to Microsoft Office (see chart).We checked in with Guy Creese, research vice president with IT research and advisory group Gartner, and Rob Helm, managing vice president of research with Directions on Microsoft, an independent Microsoft technology consulting company in Kirkland, Wash., for some expert views on what to consider.

Environment. If you use a lot of Microsoft documents, you may be stuck, because other solutions aren't great for translating formats, Creese says. But if you use Lotus Notes, a switch to Lotus Symphony can be easy. And if your workers are mostly viewing and lightly editing via mobile phones, online SaaS solutions could be a good choice.

Usage patterns. Are your workers casual Office users or do they require advanced functions such as track changes and Pivot tables? Do they depend on a laundry list of macros that would be supported by Office only?

Training. Switching to OpenOffice may still cost you in productivity and training time. But Helm says businesses switching to Office 2007 or 2010 from legacy versions may need to train workers anyway, because Microsoft made considerable interface changes starting with Office 2007.

Support. If you require a traditional support structure, then you may be stuck with Office. But if you're OK with having questions answered by the open-source user community via Twitter or a blog, then it's a different story.

Integration. If you depend on a third-party tool that requires integration with Office, you may have to stay with Microsoft.

ToolProsCons
Google AppsEase of use, online collaboration and sharing, concurrent editing of documents, affordability.Limited support, few advanced functions; only word processing documents can be edited offline.
OpenOfficeFull-fledged client-side software without licensing woes; similarity to older Office versions eases user transition.Incompatible with .docx files; slower than Office and most alternatives.
ThinkFreeHighly compatible with Microsoft Office docs, offers a good blend of desktop and SaaS benefits.Some users complain of a confusing interface, one of the slowest online productivity services.
ZohoA range of extras beyond the typical productivity apps--including CRM for as many as three users; strong mobile phone support.Limited support; only word processing documents can be edited offline.
Lotus SymphonyOffers a lot of synergies with Lotus Notes, stronger tech support options than most Microsoft alternatives.Known to bog down computer memory.



Self-described tech geek Ericka Chickowski also writes for Consumers Digest, the Los Angeles Times and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Science & Technology

We Spent a Decade Building Virtual Worlds — What We Discovered Could Reshape the Future of Business

What we learned about scale, AI and ownership when we tried to connect thousands of people in real time.

Science & Technology

The Hidden Dangers of Using Generative AI in Your Business

Rushing to adopt generative AI can derail your business. Here's what leaders need to know.

Growing a Business

This One Leadership Move Will Transform Your Team's Loyalty and Performance

Most leaders focus on technical skills, but this lesser-known trait quietly shapes team loyalty, engagement and long-term performance.

Leadership

Why the Most Powerful CEOs Today Lead With Authenticity, Not Silence

The most effective CEOs today build trust and brand value by leading with authenticity and personal conviction.

Side Hustle

7 Ways Ecommerce Is Helping People Rebuild Their Lives

Ecommerce is more than just a business model. For many, it's about finding stability, freedom and a way to feel in control.