In a previous blog entry, I talked about the potential benefits of using Apache Open Office for their law firm.  With Apache Open Office, law firms can get a complete office suite program that can do anything other office suites can do.  They can also get this office suite without paying a dime.

With the cost of some office suites these days, and some requiring a recurring payment like Microsoft Office 365, some law firms are looking for other options.  After all, does it make sense to pay a monthly fee for each employee simply for word processing and office suite software?

Paying a Monthly Fee for Word Processing Software

For many law firms, and especially start-ups, it just doesn’t make sense to pay a monthly fee for word processing software.  Many cannot afford it.  Larger law firms can also have objections.  For example, what law firm wants to add to their monthly overhead expenses the cost of an office suite for each employee?  And then, what law firm wants to manage all the licenses for each employee?

Libre Open Office

Another option that is now out there and gaining steam is Libre Open Office.  Libre Open Office offers all the same options as Apache Open Office.  It allows for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and all your other office suite needs in a new, slicked-up design.

Some out there argue that Libre Open Office is now preferable to Apache Open Office.  The reasons given are that development is quicker for Libre Open Office than Apache Open Office.  The design and layout are also appealing and easy to navigate.

So, if you are looking for an office suite program for your law firm, and not interested in paying a monthly fee simply for an office suite, you should give Libre Open Office a look.  Libre Open Office has a lot of appeal.

And employees who might feel as if they need Microsoft Office 365 might have an easier time adjusting to using something different, with the great feature that Libre Open Office offers.

If you have any thoughts, feel free to share them below.