OpenOffice.org 3.0 Roadmap Detailed

It might be hard to believe, but it’s already been over two years since OpenOffice.org 2.0 was released, with 2.3.1 being the most recent update. Although not too much is even known about version 3.0, it’s roadmap was recently unveiled and shows a September 2008 release, with a beta slated for the end of April.

According to previous reports from OOoCon 2007, the upcoming version will be launched with a slew of new features, including “web 2.0” functionality, an upgraded personal information manager, expanded extension system and focus on portions that will improve usage in a business environment. The goal is to compete with Microsoft Office, which is a very worthy, but lofty, goal.

I live by the mindset that an application doesn’t need to be “pretty” for it to be usable, because quite frankly, OOo is very usable. However, as I’ve mentioned in the past, I can never get over the fact that using OOo makes me feel like I am using a ten-year-old OS. Will 3.0 be the version to get a true fresh coat of paint? I hope so. I think that in itself would increase usage all-around.

Source: OpenOffice.org Wiki