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Microsoft Office faces British invasion

edited November 2003 in Science & Tech
Ability Plus Software, a small British software maker, plans to challenge one of Microsoft's most profitable markets, by starting to sell its low cost productivity applications in North America.

[blockquote]Ability Plus Software has been selling word processors and other office applications in Europe since the 1980s. The company now hopes to expand by selling Ability Office--a package that combines a word processor, a spreadsheet program and other applications similar to Microsoft's dominant Office--in North America. A retail version of Ability Office that runs on Windows will sell for about $50 and should appear in stores starting in November.
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[link=http://news.com.com/2100-1012_3-5100706.html?tag=nefd_top]The full story[/link]

Comments

  • DogSoldierDogSoldier The heart of radical Amish country..
    edited November 2003
    Wh00p!

    I hope it can read MS Word and Corel WP files. I have high hopes for any software that challenges the MS monster.
  • ThraxThrax 🐌 Austin, TX Icrontian
    edited November 2003
    I have no hope for products that challenge Microsoft. Inevitability states the challenger's defeat.
  • LeonardoLeonardo Wake up and smell the glaciers Eagle River, Alaska Icrontian
    edited November 2003
    Inevitability states the challenger's defeat

    Not necessarily. For the corporate market? You are probably right. There are many thousands or perhaps even millions of private households that wouldn't mind having a $50 office suite. Yes I know Star Office is out there, but virtually no one knows about it apart from computer weenies like us.

    I think two things might determine the success of the Ability Office: the ability to read and write in MS-compatible formats, and a strong marketing program.
  • DogSoldierDogSoldier The heart of radical Amish country..
    edited November 2003
    aye.
  • RWBRWB Icrontian
    edited November 2003
    Marketing CAN make them succeed. The issue I see with that is Microsofts comback advertisments, they can afford a whole lot more.
  • GHoosdumGHoosdum Icrontian
    edited November 2003
    For instance: "Buy Genuine MICROSOFT Products. They cost more, so they MUST be better!"
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