RE: Proposed Letter Text to Decision-makers - Re-Draft

On Fri, 3 Jan 2003, Depner, Jan wrote:

> I just thought of one other thing.  Bill's post brought it to mind.  The
> point about Excel is valid.

  Please note that OpenOffice.org (and the Calc component) can be scripted
through a number of languages including StarBasic.  It isn't visual basic,
but it is my understanding (not from personal experience) that similar
functionality is available and then the macros are available
cross-platform.  I also believe it is possible to script OpenOffice.org
from VisualBasic, but then you are stuck with your macros on Microsoft
platforms.

  See:  http://api.openoffice.org/

  I have sent a message to the OpenOffice.org marketing team in the hopes 
that someone who is more 'in the know' will add in some documentation to 
clarify this question.   I agree that it is a critical question, but one 
where we should be trying to enhance OpenOffice.org's documentation and 
functionality, not give up and run Microsoft Office.

  From a FLOSS public policy standpoint, adoption of Microsoft Office
under Linux is a step backward.  Operating Systems aren't all that
important in the big picture, and all the focus on Linux (The kernel or
the distributions) is entirely misplaced IMNSHO.

  Where users interact with each other over the network is where the
issues are and "networking effects" are created.  What operating system is
in use is important to the person sitting at that specific desk -- what
browser, email package or office suite they are using may affect everyone
they interact with.  OpenOffice.org/Koffice/GNOME office, and Mozilla.org
(and derivatives) are the critical killer applications for FLOSS on the
desktop.


  It is much more critical for us to try to get people to adopt
OpenOffice.org and Mozilla.org on Microsoft Windows.  I only see long-term
negative effects to using the Microsoft Browser or Microsoft Office under 
a FLOSS operating system.

  For an article still in draft and aimed at a Government of Canada
audience, focusing on OpenOffice.org, please see:  
http://www.flora.ca/russell/drafts/office-citt.html

---
 Russell McOrmond, Internet Consultant: <http://www.flora.ca/>
 Any 'hardware assist' for communications, whether it be eye-glasses, 
 VCR's, or personal computers, must be under the control of the citizen 
 and not a third party.   -- http://www.flora.ca/russell/

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