Businesses of all sizes rely on the Office suite for daily operations and collaboration.
AI promises significant productivity gains for knowledge workers and anyone working with documents. Research shows that we spend more than half of our time using “office” software. Additionally, the global market for productivity applications is worth $22.5 billion annually, according to a study by Dataintelo.
However, business software is often proprietary, expensive, and inflexible. And at a time when companies are looking to improve efficiency with AI, too many business applications lock users into their preferred AI models.
As a result, companies are losing efficiency gains.
Editing and collaboration tools are not integrated with enterprise applications and workflows.
Productivity tools and document editing tools use different user interfaces, which increases training requirements and can introduce errors.
Built-in AI assistants also give companies limited control over how models are trained and sensitive data is processed.
take control
Businesses are increasingly looking for more flexible alternatives. Open source applications offer flexible deployment, deep integration with enterprise applications, and AI options.
For example, the open source-based ONLYOFFICE suite offers both desktop and native iOS and Android mobile applications and can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud.
However, knowledge workers also rely on core enterprise applications. ONLYOFFICE integrates with business platforms from project management to CRM to ERP. The suite includes real-time collaboration and 40 ready-to-use integrations.
This integration also helps organizations scale. Start with a free or cloud-based application and maintain the same functionality and user experience as you grow. There’s no need to learn new document editing tools or use powerful features like full-featured PDF editing.
“Integrating document editing and collaboration tools with business applications gives us a more powerful solution and gives users access to new features within the same platform,” said Galina Godukhina, Commercial Director at ONLYOFFICE. “Now you don’t have to switch between multiple apps to get your work done; all the tools you need are in one place and within reach.”
open alternative
Increasing compliance and data protection requirements are driving CIOs and IT leaders to make decisions about both software and AI. There is no single model that fits all organizations, Goduhina suggests.
“Some companies are building their IT infrastructure within their local network to give them complete control over their data,” he says. “Other businesses trust cloud-based solutions because of their flexibility, ease of use, and ease of maintenance.” Hybrid models are also growing in popularity, increasing the importance of applications that run across cloud and local infrastructure.
An open approach is gaining ground in AI tools as well. AI can significantly improve productivity, especially in document-heavy workflows. But tying knowledge workers to a single AI tool limits that potential. Additionally, some companies may not want to use AI at all.
“We enable businesses to use the tools they are familiar with without forcing them to rely on predefined AI solutions,” says Goduhina. “ONLYOFFICE allows you to connect popular AI tools, even local ones.”[s]. Another benefit is that it’s completely optional. ”
By moving to an open productivity suite, businesses gain flexibility, avoid vendor lock-in, and maintain control of their technology.
Click here to learn how ONLYOFFICE enables AI-driven document workflows within your company.
