Next Version of Apache OpenOffice Coming Soon

There is a new version of OpenOffice on the way. The suite of productivity tools has a long and stories history, and the Apache Software Foundation is now the steward of it. According to an announcement, development of Apache OpenOffice 4.1.2 is almost complete and the release is coming shortly.

The new version is slated to bring better Microsoft Office interoperability (including Sharepoint compatibility), as well as multiple improvements to all individual applications, including Writer, Impress, Draw, Calc, and Base.

The Apache Software Foundation is still working on some non-development tasks related to the suite, like QA and final preparations (press release, release notes and their translation). It has called for help from contributors. See https://cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/OOOUSERS/AOO+4.1.2 for a list of opportunities to contribute and contact the main development mailing list if interested.

 Most of the code changes for OpenOffice 4.1.2 have already been integrated. Dozens of old and new developers contributed in recent weeks.

For users, improvements are expected in stability (fixes in all modules: Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw, Base), Microsoft interoperability (Sharepoint) and document import.

For developers, OpenOffice 4.1.2 is designed to be easier to build on modern systems and on non-mainstream systems, thus respecting the Apache OpenOffice mission of providing a solid codebase that people can adapt and customize.

n order to help bug fixes, you can visit http://openoffice.apache.org/orientation/intro-qa.html  and contact the QA list as explained there. 

It's good to see this venerable productivity suite continuing to mature and become more compatible with widespread applications.