Apache confirms a new OpenOffice release for 2012

The Apache Software Foundation has confirmed a new build of the OpenOffice suite will be available in 2012. The open-source freeware will reach version 3.4 in the first quarter of 2012 and according to Apache it will be a developer focussed release. Apache have stated that they have edited the code in a way which makes it easier to edit without breaking the terms of the license agreement.

“We’re focused on developers with this build, making sure it’s IP clean with no licensing incompatibilities,” Ross Gardler, mentor on the project for Apache, told The Register. “That said there have been user improvements too, such as better graphics handling.

However, these problems were nothing to do with The Document Foundation he stressed. Cooperation between the LibreOffice folk and OpenOffice was extensive and very encouraging he said, with cross use of code and both groups helping each other on bug fixes and development.

I don’t think we’ll ever get back together – we’ve different visions and a different license perspective,” he said. “But there’s plenty of space for way for more than two iterations – the more the merrier in fact.”

Source: TheRegister