As well as generating the bulk of Microsoft’s considerable revenue and profits, Microsoft Office is seen as being an essential purchase by businesses and consumers right across the globe.
Despite all this though, there are those who believe Office has had its day; that the suite simply isn’t important anymore. The truth is though, while Office isn’t as prominent in the digital marketplace – or in people’s minds – as the iPhone or iPad and much of the ‘Software-as-a-Service’ applications that goes with them; it still remains a Goliath of the IT pantheon.
Aside from a few naysayers, it is fair to say Office remains as favoured as ever in the UK. Indeed, if the number of people applying to go on Microsoft Office courses in London is anything to go by, it is clear to see the popularity of the package is in very rude health. Whilst the number of people undertaking Microsoft training in London may not be seem like an overly accurate barometer of use throughout the entire UK, the nation’s capital is still the best place to garner a fair overall representation.
But why is this? Why does Office continue to thrive nearly a quarter of a century after it was released?
Well, the answer is relatively simple: the alternatives aren’t up to par and consumers know what they like…
The alternative options
Many people ‘in the know’ say that Google Docs is the best alternative to Office. Whilst the Cloud-based package does offer a number of great features, Google Docs simply lacks the power people have come to expect from Office. Indeed it is fair to say very few corporate users would choose Google Docs over Office.
Needless to say, Apple has been gunning for Office’s crown with its iWork platform. However, as slick and sleek as iWork might be, it does have just one small problem: it’s far too consumer-focused for corporate users. It is a simple fact that business needs become more convoluted by the day: iWork – for now, anyway – just doesn’t deliver in this respect.
As well as the big hitters like Google and Apple, there are also open source alternatives available, such as Open Office. Whilst these packages can certainly do a job for people with very limited needs, they just don’t have the features or the technical support required to satiate the demands of serious users. Comparing open source packages with Office is like comparing a go-kart with a Ferrari – no contest!
Consumers
Although much of this article has revolved around the corporate world, it’s important to note that consumers are still using Office in a big way (the ever popular Microsoft Office training in London highlighted earlier pays testament to this). Indeed, people buying the software for their personal use at home is still a driving factor in Office’s success. Until that changes, Office’s popularity – and by proxy, its importance – is unlikely to diminish anytime soon.
About the author – Bo Heamyan blogs regularly about IT related issues and and has written extensively about the benefits of obtaining recognised IT training qualifications for a number of leading websites, including NHLondon.com.
