As more Microsoft Office alternatives break into the productivity software market, more business users will come to IT with word processor compatibility issues. Prevent document conversion problems in both directions by implementing these guidelines.

MS Office-Compatible?

Solutions such as OpenOffice and Google Docs & Spreadsheets are purportedly compatible with Microsoft Office, but any experienced user will quickly point out common conversion difficulties. Even within the Microsoft Word family, inconsistencies appear when translating from one version to another or from Mac to PC.

When a client complains about how a document looks onscreen or the sales team has trouble opening the CEO's memo, the burden will often fall squarely on IT's shoulders. IT needs to understand what causes compatibility problems and know how to resolve and prevent them.

Typing vs. Formatting

The leading cause of incompatibility is poor layout habits. Many users unconsciously treat word processing software as if it were a typewriter – even users who have never owned or used a real typewriter. It's just easier to insert extra spaces or line breaks instead of going...