[plug] linux in industry

[Jacqueline McNally]

Alex Polglaze wrote:
> I would like to try and get a handle, indicative only, of the number of 
> businesses that are using Linux and the size of the commitment of others.
> 
[snip]

Yes, it is difficult, particularly to get local or regional case 
studies. I am always looking for OpenOffice.org testimonials and 
migration stories.

For general trends, you may wish to read "Why Open Source Software / 
Free Software (OSS/FS)? Look at the Numbers!" by David Wheeler. It was 
updated at the end of last month, see: 
http://www.dwheeler.com/oss_fs_why.html

> 
> The reason that I ask, is that I was in a meeting yesterday with an 
> accountant and his whole attitude was that Linux was only for nerdy 
> computer people and that no real business was done on Linux.
> 
> I would like to shoot him down in flames.
> 

I have met very few accountants that actually know how to maintain or 
use their existing IT equipment, and even fewer that like spending money 
:) As someone that used to support Paxus/Solution 6 products, it was a 
delight to work with data operators who were comfortable with breaking 
out into and hacking the code to get a tax return completed or financial 
statements printed.

Most accountants in Australia are tied up with Solution 6, which now 
together with the MYOB business is somewhat of a closed shop. They also 
use a lot of applications that have hooks to the ATO and financial 
institutions. So migrating an accountant is quite complex.

The people that you need to convince are the consultants, IT people and 
software vendors that support accountants.

All the best
Jacqueline McNally
Lead, OpenOffice.org Marketing Project

-- 
Try it, you'll like it. www.openoffice.org

"Make the most of yourself. Be daring. Above all, have fun".
     --Elsa Schiaparelli