Is there a way that you can package up Microsoft Office versions (with all relevant patches updated) into .deb/rpm ? I would still need to buy an Office key.
I would pay for such a packaging (separately from the key). What this gives me, is the latest compatible Microsoft Office in lockstep with a wine release. I would'nt even mind you charging a few bucks for every incremental packaging.
I daresay that this is a large enough pain point and people would'nt mind paying a few bucks. I would also argue that this would substantially improve the sell of Linux to enterprise customers who can have a decently working Excel at a click as opposed to the seriously cumbersome install on Windows.
You are more or less describing the exact niche the Crossover product from Codeweavers fills (originally called Crossover Office because Office was the main supported application). I'd give the free trial a try. You're paying for support, and it's free Wine underneath - the proprietary part is the Crossover UI which basically just speeds installation of Office and other supported apps.
I would pay for such a packaging (separately from the key). What this gives me, is the latest compatible Microsoft Office in lockstep with a wine release. I would'nt even mind you charging a few bucks for every incremental packaging.
I daresay that this is a large enough pain point and people would'nt mind paying a few bucks. I would also argue that this would substantially improve the sell of Linux to enterprise customers who can have a decently working Excel at a click as opposed to the seriously cumbersome install on Windows.