P & L Software Ltd today announced the release of Mesa 3.0.4, the latest version of their Mac OS X native spreadsheet application. The new version now sports the ability to export to Microsoft Excel format.
Until now, Mesa has had an import command, but version 3.0.4 marks the first time that Mesa users can save in Excel format also. Other new features in this build include more complete localization, along with French language support — a feature the company had hoped to publicize at the now-cancelled Apple Expo, which was to take place in Paris. Apple cancelled the event in the wake of terrorist attacks on U.S. cities earlier this month.
Based on a product once available for NeXT’s OpenStep operating system, Mesa was built for Mac OS X using Cocoa. P & L Software says that Mesa is the first Cocoa spreadsheet available for Mac OS X. Mesa contains industry-standard spreadsheet features; a Formula Builder; customizable tool bar; report generation and printing; online help; and more.
A free evaluation version of Mesa can be downloaded from the Web site. Users are restricted to 20 x 20 workbooks, but the software is otherwise unencumbered. Users can purchase a license online.
In related news, P & L Software announced a special price on Mesa through October 14. The company is selling commercial and personal licenses for Mesa for $99, $30 less than the normal price. The educational price is $50. Sales manager Lee Cox explained that the special price was a promotion developed for Apple Expo. “Although Apple has cancelled the Expo, we don’t see why Mac OS X users should miss out, so we are carrying on with our ‘virtual’ Apple Expo announcements and special offers,” said Cox.
More details are available from the company’s Web site.