November 22 saw Beijing Chinese 2000 Software Technology Co. Ltd. unveiled its newly-developed RedOffice1.0, an office software in Chinese matching the use of both Linux and Microsoft as a desktop operating system for business purposes.
As reported, the multi-function RedOffice1.0, developed in light of the latest 18030 National Coding Standard, is compatible to all editions of Microsoft's Office. It is highly preferable not only for over 97 percent of the functions of Microsoft's new product Office XP but also for many other specific functions of its own as photo processing, drawing, translation, bilingual browser and voice composing in Chinese mixed composing.
According to experts, the debut of RedOffice1.0 significantly points to the fact that Linux has come to the table from the serve and entered the areas of Windows Internet applications while expanding its own areas. The new software, which will provide a new choice for PC users, is of great importance for breaking Microsoft's monopoly and expanding Linux's market share because office software is the most major Internet applications and the basic software for dealing online government affairs.
Linux is a free Unix-type operating system originally created by Finlander Linus Torvalds in 1991 with the assistance of developers around the world. It now has developed into the deputy of free Internet software activity in the world.
Linux has many advantages Windows lacks such as high security, stability, being free for developing, and low price. Thereby, to develop Linux and relevant software has become the approach to break Microsoft's monopoly and the first choice for countries to safeguard their information industry.
The Chinese government has attached great importance to Linux development and regarded it as an important part for breaking foreign monopoly and setting up the nation's security system of information industry in computer operating system. The successful development of RedOffice1.0 has an important significance in pushing forward the informationization in China. Experts predict that it will also produce a significant effect on Microsoft in product development and marketing strategies.
(People’s Daily November 27, 2001)