Difference between revisions of "Product FAQ"
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= What's the exact product definition and what's the unique selling point? =
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= When is OX App Suite 7.4.0 scheduled for release and what is in it? =
  
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'''Open-Xchange Hosting Edition:''' Open-Xchange Hosting Edition is the only groupware specifically designed for the needs of SaaS providers. With Open-Xchange, web hosters, ISPs, telecommunication enterprises and IT service enterprises can enhance their product range with SaaS offers as modular system step by step. Open-Xchange Hosting Edtion is a modular solution that allows ...
+
7.4.0 is scheduled for release in July 2013. The focus of 7.4 will be Social Integration and Mobile Support. More information about this release and what it contains can be found: [[http://knowledgebase.open-xchange.com/roadmap.html#4|Here]].
  
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* the continued usage of existing E-Mail server infrastructures and provisioning back-ends without migrating
+
= How does OX App Suite compare to OX6? =
−
* a seemless integration of systems like Plesk Panel, Parallels Operation Automation, Cpanel and more
 
−
* staying competitive against Microsoft, Google and Yahoo Mail, by replacing your outdated webmail solution with the AJAX based webmail solution by Open-Xchange at low cost for all existing E-Mail accounts
 
−
* to offer your new and existing customers new and innovative SaaS solutions like collaboration and groupware on the new Open-Xchange Webmail platform
 
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* to offer state-of-the-art mobility solutions to your customers at low cost and with decent margins
 
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* to continuously offer your customers new and modern features
 
−
* to quickly realize all new offers at low cost
 
  
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'''Open-Xchange Server Edition:''' Open-Xchange Server Edition is a modular system, is based on open standards and is very well suited for the integration into existing IT infrastructures, allowing e.g. the continued use of existing E-Mail back-ends and any directory services like AD, LDAP or eDirectory. Open-Xchange Server Edition is aimed at enterprises, educational institutes and public services, looking for a communication solution tailored to their needs. Open-Xchange Server Edition is multiple-client capable and supports more than 10,000 users per client for any number of clients.
+
The 7.2.0 release is broadly comparable to OX6 in terms of features and functionality.
 +
Note: When there is no direct equivalent there is often an alternative in the form of a similar or enhanced option. E.g. hover to Halo View
  
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= What are the current product highlights? =
+
= When will the OX App Store be ready? =
  
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* Integration aspect: Open-Xchange Server Edition seemlessly integrates into existing E-Mail back-ends and directory services. There are no migration efforts for implementing the groupware. Projects are drastically simplified.
+
'''Open-Xchange has not formally announced when OX App Store will be available.'''
−
* Plug-in concept: Own GUI plug-ins or server side plug-ins can easily be integrated.
+
The OX App Store component to the OX App Suite will be made available in 2014.
−
* Mobile devices can be connected with Exchange Active Sync or a modern HTML 5 „Mobile Web Interface".
 
−
* Team calendar: scheduling meetings and appointments based on free appointments of all participants – any time, anywhere and with almost any end device
 
−
* Integrated file management (“on-line hard drive”) - editing shared files without sending E-Mails back and forth, central storage and automatic back-up, versioning, integrating into the local client across firewall boundaries with WEBDAV(S).
 
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* Up-to-date AJAX based user interface in the browser, no fat clients needed, thus drastically reducing the adminstrative efforts.
 
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* Combining any number of external E-Mail accounts in an intelligent "Unified In-Box".
 
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* Displaying external calendars in Open-Xchange calendar.
 
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* Modular system, each feature can be configured on a user basis (webmail, PIM, Groupware, file management), often most users only need few modules. Only those have to be licensed.
 
−
* Integration and synchronization of contacts and messages from dozens of social media sources like Facebook, LinkedIN, Twitter or Xing.
 
  
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= Which platforms are supported? =
+
= What other up-sell functionality does OX App Suite Offer? =
  
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[[OX_Product_Matrix#Server_Platforms|Open-Xchange supported Platforms]]
+
Currently OX App Suite offers a number of upsell possibilities, these include:
 +
* In-app upselling – greyed out items in the menu are clickable and bring up a customizable window – for example allowing automatic upgrade or customer defined promotions.
 +
* In email advertising.
 +
* Portal based advertising and promotions.
  
−
= Which mobile synchronization possibilities are there? =
+
= Can I download packages that I can use/install now for test and evaluation purposes? =
−
The solutions for connecting mobile devices to a central groupware are as numerous as the mobile devices themselves. Therefore, Open-Xchange offers various mobility solutions for each scenario:
 
  
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'''Open-Xchange OXtender for Business Mobility''': The Open-Xchange OXtender for Business Mobility is a cost-efficient and hardware-independant software solution based on the Microsoft Exchange Active Sync (EAS) technology, allowing you to have all your E-Mails, contacts, appointments and tasks well under control wherever you are.
+
A free version of OX App Suite is available for anybody to download. See here.
 +
A time-limited key is available to those people wishing to evaluate the features and functionality that are only available in the commercial version.
  
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'''Open-Xchange Mobile Web Interface''': The Open-Xchange Mobile Web Interface allows easy access in real time to appointments, contacts, and E-Mails saved on the Open-Xchange Server when being on the road (on-line access). The Open-Xchange Mobile Web Interface offers a web client optimized for your mobile device's display.
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= How do I get the mobile UI? =
  
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= What are the differences between the mobile synchronization solution in detail? =
+
The mobile UI is available as standard and does not require a separate url. Just open the normal url on your device browser.
  
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[[OX_Product_Matrix#Mobility_Solution_-_Supported-_Platforms.2C_Features_and_Devices|Open-Xchange Mobility Solutions]]
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= Is the mobile UI ready for commercial launch? =
  
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= Which additional clients are supported (Outlook, Mac OS X)? =
+
No. The version shipping with 7.2.0 is a preview version.
−
In addition to the extensive support of the different mobility solutions Open-Xchange provides further tools for the different clients:
 
  
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'''OXtender 2 for Microsoft Outlook®''': The Open-Xchange OXtender 2 for Microsoft Outlook® allows to use Microsoft Outlook as rich client for all Open-Xchange Server 6 products. As usual, manage your E-Mails, appointments, contacts, and tasks in all personal, shared, and public folders. The OXtender synchronizes in real time new information on the Open-Xchange Server with the Outlook client making efficient team work possible. If being without internet connection, your changes will be synchronized when connecting to the Open-Xchange Server again.
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OX App Suite for Smartphone is a functionally restricted mobile interface that can be freely used on iPhone 5 (iOS 6.1) and Google Nexus 4 (Android 4.2).
  
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'''Synchronization with MacOS X® per CardDAV and CalDAV''': With the MacOS X integration you can use all information and documents you save on the Open-Xchange Server in your Mac environment. You can e.g. still edit E-Mails, contacts, appointments, and tasks in the familiar Mac applications Mail, Address book, and iCal. Even if the Mac is off-line, you can continue working as usual. The changes will be automatically synchronized the next time you connect to the Open-Xchange Server.
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Stability is not assured and support is not provided until general release later this year (planed for 7.4.0)
  
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= Where to find download information, install instructions, documentation? =
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If issues are encountered please report them through your usual channels.
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The following information can be viewed on the Open-Xchange information portal OXpedia:
 
  
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* Quick Installation Guide
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= How can I sync my files on my mobile device with my cloud storage like on drop box? (OX Drive question) =
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* Hosting Edition deployment tutorials
 
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* Upsell functionality; upsell layer installation and configuration
 
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* OX Permission Level Matrix
 
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* Installation and configuration of Open-Xchange Microsoft Outlook® Uploader; OXtender for Business Mobility; Open-Xchange Client Updater; CalDAV and CardDAV; Open-Xchange Mobile Web Interface; OXtender for SyncML; OXtender for cPanel
 
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* Installation requirements
 
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* Documentation
 
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* Additional documentation
 
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* Whitepapers
 
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* and many more...
 
  
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There has been a lot of speculation about a component for OX App Suite called OX Drive. This needs to be explained by splitting it up into two components:
 +
* OX Files - This is what was formally known as "OX Infostore" and lets you store, share, manage and email links to any file stored in it. OX Document Viewer allows you preview documents stored on OX Files. 
 +
* OX Drive - This is a planed component that will let users synchronize files from various devices to the OX Files store. This component is currently planed for the second half of 2013.
  
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= What's the difference between shared hosting and dedicated servers? =
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= Help! Which UI runs with which backend? =
  
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Shared hosting requires full support of multi-tenant/domain capabilities. One instance of the application serves a large number of customers. Each customer can work in his own environment within this instance – completely separated from each other customer. A dedicated server offers a complete instance for a single customer by separating each instance using for example virtualization technologies. Dedicated servers are mostly used for larger companies. Dedicated server offerings of Open-Xchange Server are already in place. Please contact us to obtain further details and references.
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There are many possible combinations, however these are the supported options:
  
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= Which license Open-Xchange is subject to? =
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If we look at OX 6 then:
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Open-Xchange Server is licensed under the General Public License for the server software or “serverpack” and the [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.5/ Creative Commons, Attribution, Noncommercial, ShareAlike or CC:by-nc-sa (“Creative Commons”)] for the digital content and JAVA script code used by the browser or the “webpack”.
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* OX 6 version 6.22.1 is delivered with 6.22.1 backend and frontend. This backend only supports 6.22.1 frontends.
 +
* OX 6 version 6.22.2 is delivered with 7.0.2 backend and 6.22.2 front-end. This backend supports both OX 6 6.22.2 and OX App Suite 7.0.1 frontends 

  
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= What's the cost of the Open-Xchange product solutions and where to find additional FAQs? =
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If we look at OX App Suite then:
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To get more information and download Open-Xchange Server Edition for evaluation, please fill out our [http://www.open-xchange.com/en/contact-us.html contact form].
+
* OX App Suite version 7.0.1 is delivered with 7.0.1 backend and frontend. It only supports 7.0.1 frontends.
 +
* OX App Suite version 7.2 is delivered with 7. 2 backend and 7.2 front-end. It supports both OX 6 6.22.2 and OX App Suite 7.2 frontends.  
  
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Further technical FAQ's are available here [http://sdb.open-xchange.com/faq http://sdb.open-xchange.com/faq]!
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More information with pictures: LINK TO DUAL UI PDF HERE:
 +
 
 +
= What exactly is the community version and how does it differ from the commercial version? =
 +
The community version of OX App Suite is a fully functioning version of the OX App Suite, but differs in three key ways:
 +
* It does not come with support
 +
* It does not come with commercial packages
 +
* No public patches
 +
* Packages for unsupported platforms will be available soon
 +
 
 +
= Why can I not get the Document Viewer with the community version?=
 +
OX Document Viewer is not available as part of the community version of OX App Suite. If you wish to use OX Document Viewer you will need to upgrade to the commercial version.
 +
 
 +
= Why are we recommending that our customers wait for the 7.2.1 release before implementing OX Text commercially?=
 +
Due to complications with a component called "OX Real Time" it was not possible to expose all of OX Text to adequate hardening and QA.
 +
Although OX Text is now Generally Available we have made the decision to delay shipment of this package for commercial use until the release of OX App Suite 7.2.1 in the next few weeks.
 +
It is however available now for testing purposes upon request.
 +
You talk a lot about collaboration and document editing - what exactly are these features and when will they be ready?
 +
 
 +
* OX Text - the ability to create and collaboratively edit documents - is part of the 7.2.0. release.
 +
* OX Viewer - the ability to preview documents  – has been available since 7.0.1.
 +
 
 +
= What is OX Text? =
 +
OX Text is a text editor which enables web-based, collaborative word processing. Uniquely OX Text provides a seamless document Round-trip.
 +
It is compatible with MS Office and OpenOfice.
 +
More detailed information on the features and functionality of OX Text can be found:
 +
LINK TO OX TEXT DATA SHEET PDF HERE
 +
 
 +
= What are the key benefits of OX Text? =
 +
* Online word processing

 +
* More efficient collaboration

 +
* Reduced complexity

 +
* Increased productivity

 +
* Greater focus on content

 +
* Fully integrated with OX App Suite

 +
* Anytime, anywhere access

 +
* Compatible with Microsoft Office and OpenOffice
 +
* Lower software licensing costs
 +
 
 +
= What file formats are supported? =
 +
OX Text supports the following file formats for text import:
 +
doc, dot, rtf, docx, docm, dotx, dotm, odt
 +
 
 +
We then convert them into HTML and SVG for your viewing pleasure on all devices and most browsers.
 +
 
 +
= Why does OX Text not support a specific feature such as “xyz”?=
 +
It was not a design goal of OX Text to copy all the features available in other office suites. If a feature is missing in OX Text, that you love, feel free to use it in your Desktop product. We believe user experience is key, not feature-richness.
 +
 
 +
Also please keep in mind that OX Text is a new product.  Some features have not yet been implemented but that does not mean you cannot include things like headers and footers in your documents. These elements might not be visible (or might appear as an placeholder) in OX Text but when you download the document back to your Desktop editor, all elements will be visible again.
 +
 
 +
= What does interoperability mean for the user?=
 +
All Desktop word processors have problems to work with a foreign file format. Although open document standards like OOXML and ODF did a great job in giving users back information ownership and long-term access to their documents, they have not solved the interoperability problem, the ability to work together with different office products. The document Round-trip between two different word processors is still a problem. Documents don't look the same when they are imported and exported to another product. OX Text solved this problem.
 +
 
 +
= Does OX Text come with a new file format? =
 +
No, we have not introduced a new format the files remain unchanged.
 +
What are your plans for Spreadsheets and Presentations?
 +
These products are an integral part of Ox Documents.
 +
OX Spreadsheet and OX Presentations are under development at the moment, please check the roadmap for more information.
 +
 
 +
= Can end users exchange documents with other users using Microsoft Office?=
 +
Yes. OX Text is file-compatible with Microsoft Office and OpenOffice
 +
 
 +
= Which devices can be used?=
 +
End users can use any device, including rich clients (Windows desktops and notebooks), thin clients and even tablets and smartphones. The only requirement is an HTML5 compatible browser and – at least today – a network connection
 +
 
 +
= What is Round-Trip editing?=
 +
 
 +
Legacy documents created with some editors often embed power features not recognized by many other text editors. This is not a problem for OX Text as it has been designed with “round trip” functionality.
 +
 
 +
Round trip lets you upload any document into OX Text and start working with it.
 +
When a document contains features such as Smart Art or Charts, they might not appear or are simply replaced with a placeholder. The document can then be worked upon, even in teams and online. Later, when finished, the document can again be downloaded. When it is then reopened in its native editor you find nothing is lost: the new edits are there, the power functions are also still there and working, even the formatting is completely intact. OX Text never damages your valuable work even if it does not understand it.
 +
 
 +
'''Further technical FAQ's are available here [http://sdb.open-xchange.com/faq http://sdb.open-xchange.com/faq]!'''

Revision as of 08:36, 19 April 2013

When is OX App Suite 7.4.0 scheduled for release and what is in it?

7.4.0 is scheduled for release in July 2013. The focus of 7.4 will be Social Integration and Mobile Support. More information about this release and what it contains can be found: [[1]].

How does OX App Suite compare to OX6?

The 7.2.0 release is broadly comparable to OX6 in terms of features and functionality. Note: When there is no direct equivalent there is often an alternative in the form of a similar or enhanced option. E.g. hover to Halo View

When will the OX App Store be ready?

Open-Xchange has not formally announced when OX App Store will be available. The OX App Store component to the OX App Suite will be made available in 2014.

What other up-sell functionality does OX App Suite Offer?

Currently OX App Suite offers a number of upsell possibilities, these include:

  • In-app upselling – greyed out items in the menu are clickable and bring up a customizable window – for example allowing automatic upgrade or customer defined promotions.
  • In email advertising.
  • Portal based advertising and promotions.

Can I download packages that I can use/install now for test and evaluation purposes?

A free version of OX App Suite is available for anybody to download. See here. A time-limited key is available to those people wishing to evaluate the features and functionality that are only available in the commercial version.

How do I get the mobile UI?

The mobile UI is available as standard and does not require a separate url. Just open the normal url on your device browser.

Is the mobile UI ready for commercial launch?

No. The version shipping with 7.2.0 is a preview version.

OX App Suite for Smartphone is a functionally restricted mobile interface that can be freely used on iPhone 5 (iOS 6.1) and Google Nexus 4 (Android 4.2).

Stability is not assured and support is not provided until general release later this year (planed for 7.4.0)

If issues are encountered please report them through your usual channels.

How can I sync my files on my mobile device with my cloud storage like on drop box? (OX Drive question)

There has been a lot of speculation about a component for OX App Suite called OX Drive. This needs to be explained by splitting it up into two components:

  • OX Files - This is what was formally known as "OX Infostore" and lets you store, share, manage and email links to any file stored in it. OX Document Viewer allows you preview documents stored on OX Files.
  • OX Drive - This is a planed component that will let users synchronize files from various devices to the OX Files store. This component is currently planed for the second half of 2013.

Help! Which UI runs with which backend?

There are many possible combinations, however these are the supported options:

If we look at OX 6 then:

  • OX 6 version 6.22.1 is delivered with 6.22.1 backend and frontend. This backend only supports 6.22.1 frontends.
  • OX 6 version 6.22.2 is delivered with 7.0.2 backend and 6.22.2 front-end. This backend supports both OX 6 6.22.2 and OX App Suite 7.0.1 frontends 


If we look at OX App Suite then:

  • OX App Suite version 7.0.1 is delivered with 7.0.1 backend and frontend. It only supports 7.0.1 frontends.
  • OX App Suite version 7.2 is delivered with 7. 2 backend and 7.2 front-end. It supports both OX 6 6.22.2 and OX App Suite 7.2 frontends.

More information with pictures: LINK TO DUAL UI PDF HERE:

What exactly is the community version and how does it differ from the commercial version?

The community version of OX App Suite is a fully functioning version of the OX App Suite, but differs in three key ways:

  • It does not come with support
  • It does not come with commercial packages
  • No public patches
  • Packages for unsupported platforms will be available soon

Why can I not get the Document Viewer with the community version?

OX Document Viewer is not available as part of the community version of OX App Suite. If you wish to use OX Document Viewer you will need to upgrade to the commercial version.

Why are we recommending that our customers wait for the 7.2.1 release before implementing OX Text commercially?

Due to complications with a component called "OX Real Time" it was not possible to expose all of OX Text to adequate hardening and QA. Although OX Text is now Generally Available we have made the decision to delay shipment of this package for commercial use until the release of OX App Suite 7.2.1 in the next few weeks. It is however available now for testing purposes upon request. You talk a lot about collaboration and document editing - what exactly are these features and when will they be ready?

  • OX Text - the ability to create and collaboratively edit documents - is part of the 7.2.0. release.
  • OX Viewer - the ability to preview documents – has been available since 7.0.1.

What is OX Text?

OX Text is a text editor which enables web-based, collaborative word processing. Uniquely OX Text provides a seamless document Round-trip. It is compatible with MS Office and OpenOfice. More detailed information on the features and functionality of OX Text can be found: LINK TO OX TEXT DATA SHEET PDF HERE

What are the key benefits of OX Text?

  • Online word processing

  • More efficient collaboration

  • Reduced complexity

  • Increased productivity

  • Greater focus on content

  • Fully integrated with OX App Suite

  • Anytime, anywhere access

  • Compatible with Microsoft Office and OpenOffice
  • Lower software licensing costs

What file formats are supported?

OX Text supports the following file formats for text import: doc, dot, rtf, docx, docm, dotx, dotm, odt

We then convert them into HTML and SVG for your viewing pleasure on all devices and most browsers.

Why does OX Text not support a specific feature such as “xyz”?

It was not a design goal of OX Text to copy all the features available in other office suites. If a feature is missing in OX Text, that you love, feel free to use it in your Desktop product. We believe user experience is key, not feature-richness.

Also please keep in mind that OX Text is a new product. Some features have not yet been implemented but that does not mean you cannot include things like headers and footers in your documents. These elements might not be visible (or might appear as an placeholder) in OX Text but when you download the document back to your Desktop editor, all elements will be visible again.

What does interoperability mean for the user?

All Desktop word processors have problems to work with a foreign file format. Although open document standards like OOXML and ODF did a great job in giving users back information ownership and long-term access to their documents, they have not solved the interoperability problem, the ability to work together with different office products. The document Round-trip between two different word processors is still a problem. Documents don't look the same when they are imported and exported to another product. OX Text solved this problem.

Does OX Text come with a new file format?

No, we have not introduced a new format the files remain unchanged. What are your plans for Spreadsheets and Presentations? These products are an integral part of Ox Documents. OX Spreadsheet and OX Presentations are under development at the moment, please check the roadmap for more information.

Can end users exchange documents with other users using Microsoft Office?

Yes. OX Text is file-compatible with Microsoft Office and OpenOffice

Which devices can be used?

End users can use any device, including rich clients (Windows desktops and notebooks), thin clients and even tablets and smartphones. The only requirement is an HTML5 compatible browser and – at least today – a network connection

What is Round-Trip editing?

Legacy documents created with some editors often embed power features not recognized by many other text editors. This is not a problem for OX Text as it has been designed with “round trip” functionality.

Round trip lets you upload any document into OX Text and start working with it. When a document contains features such as Smart Art or Charts, they might not appear or are simply replaced with a placeholder. The document can then be worked upon, even in teams and online. Later, when finished, the document can again be downloaded. When it is then reopened in its native editor you find nothing is lost: the new edits are there, the power functions are also still there and working, even the formatting is completely intact. OX Text never damages your valuable work even if it does not understand it.

Further technical FAQ's are available here http://sdb.open-xchange.com/faq!

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