Business apps for Linux

A small German company today launched a suite of business applications for the increasingly popular Linux operating system.

Priced at $79.95, S.u.S.E's Linux Office Suite 99 includes a spreadsheet, word processor, presentation graphics, a database, fax program, and other traditional business applications, the company said.

Due to ship October 15, Linux Office Suite 99 is also able to exchange document data with Microsoft Office 97.

Linux is a freely distributed alternative to Microsoft's Windows and other Unix variants. Linux is currently used by hundreds of thousands--and possibly millions--of people around the world. While Linux began life primarily as a hobby for supergeeks, the operating system has made some inroads into corporate life, particularly as an inexpensive substitute for high-priced Unix Web servers.

Office Suite 99 also comes with the latest version of Applixware 4.4.1, which includes Applixware word, spreadsheets, graphics, and presentation applications, and HTML authoring component. It also comes with Applix Data and Applix Builder.

Since its release in 1993, Applixware has quickly developed into a popular office suite for the various Unix platforms, counting more than 350,000 users worldwide, according to S.u.S.E. Applixware takes advantage of Linux's multiuser and multitasking capabilities.

"Serious computer users have been calling for an integrated, 'out-of-the-box' office suite for Linux for quite some time," Scott McNeil, president of S.u.S.E North America, said in a statement. "Truly, Linux now has an office suite competitive with Microsoft Windows products."

Linux Office Suite is compatible with S.u.S.E., Red Hat, Caldera, and other popular versions of Linux.