[plug] Linux viability on the desktop (was: Article: Klez and OpenOffice should both spur Linux use)

[Ben Jensz]

I know that I'll probably get at least a couple of people off side by saying
this, but I think it has to be said.

A lot of large companies and even smaller companies that currently use
Windows/MS Office platforms for their desktop computers on their network
aren't looking at saving costs on software.  They are obviously paying for
their software now, so obviously paying for it isn't really a huge issue,
sure its a purchase cost saving if they can use a free solution, but thats
not the issue as I see it.

IMHO I don't think that having Linux as a desktop alternative is a viable
option for a lot of businesses/companies at the moment.  Basically there
would have to be equivalent solutions for all sectors of the business, as
engaging training for staff on multiple different platforms is costly and
ineffective.  So basically there has to be reliable, functional and usable
solution for all areas of software that the business utilises.

At the end of the day, whats worth the money isn't the computer and software
that is sitting on someone's desk, its the content that is created on the
computer that is worth the money.  So for Linux to become a viable desktop
alternative for a lot of businesses it has to cover all of uses and areas
which computers are used in within that business.

If you want businesses to seriously look at Linux solutions, then you have
to offer them everything they have now, plus extra functionality.  Don't
argue on the price factor, as it simply does not equate to anything at the
end of the day.  There would be training issues with a change of platform,
just as if a business went from PC based systems to an Apple Mac based
system (or vice versa as the case may be), so you'd basically have to cover
everything they do now and probably have another incentive other than just
cost saving to get them to take serious notice and consideration.

Having said this, currently Linux does have a place in the business I work
because I've made it have a place.  It runs on 4 machines which act as
servers in some capacity and they are far more reliable and functional than
the previous NT4 based server they had.  Linux I think has shown a lot of
businesses that it has a place in the server and network management side of
their networks, but not on the desktop yet.

I just think that the advocating of Linux on the desktop in general in the
Linux community is being tackled in the wrong way.  People are addressing
the wrong issues that businesses have.

IMHO of course :)


/ Ben