Apache’s OpenOffice, or OpenOffice.org, is freely-distributed open-source office software commonly used for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics and databases. Because it’s free, and available for a number of different operating systems, it is popular amongst many, including the small business community. The Apache Software Foundation (ASF) has recently released OpenOffice 3.4, the first update since January 2011’s 3.0 version. Better startup times and chart rendering are two major features of this new release.
The recent announcement that Cornell and Technion-Israel Universities will be building a state-of-the-art applied sciences center on New York City’s Roosevelt Island has brought national attention to the concept of NYC as both technological education and business-startup center for the country. Calling NYC’s technological-based industry community “Silicon Alley” the field is hot for upcoming tech innovators and those attempting to start up new companies in this broad field. Having started out small, many NYC-based dot-coms are expanding by leaps and bounds, also, furthering the idea that the NYC region is not only friendly for tech-based industry, but welcoming to more. 
