Before Microsoft Office came in.. People are using Lotus 1-2-3.. but when Microsoft launches Microsoft Office 97.. there a change in trend.. every user that buy a new PC with Microsoft Windows will definitely buy and install Microsoft Office also..after follow behind Microsoft Office.. 10 years later Lotus bounches back with new product Lotus Symphony.. an open source wordprocessor, spreadsheet and presentation suite that targeting Microsoft Office and Lotus Suite user..
Imagine this (this is from my past experiences).. You need to do budget analysis with an business associate from another company to reduce cost.. but the problem is they are using Lotus 123 and you are using Microsoft Excel.. Instead of purchasing additional Lotus 123 or Microsoft Excel.. Now you can use Lotus Symphony format.. and since this is an Open Source Software (OSS) (it's free!) you no need to forced into purchasing additional (Lotus / Office) licensing and overall reduce IT investment for some companies..
