by ----------- On making Linux a viable business-computing OS. ------------
A *small* mailing list has been created. It is not intended for backbiting
or flames. The list is about making Linux a viable business-computing OS.
To subscribe:
To unsubscribe:
Questions this lists intend to deal with or has dealt with include...
* How does one insure the maintenance, longevity,
widespread support, and continued enhancements of
the product?
* What is effective business computing ?
And how might you go about it ?
Let me start by saying, business solutions are most
effective when, rather than buying something off the
shelf, you look at the requirements, immediate, and
long term, and then design and implement the appropriate
solution. (See where that gets us...)
And for example, I am aware of many businesses that have
nothing but dumb terminals and generic text printers, and
they are quite profitable and successful. (Because they
don't need Windows ?, Because they don't have Windows ?,
Because they designed the right solution to their exact
problem ? )
This is one of the most significant underappreciated
facts of business computing: A solution that does just
what you want and nothing more (with the exception of
providing a flexible future expansion path) is often a
much more productive and affordable solution than a 'more
powerful/state-of-the-art' solution.
... the biggest problem with complete Windows-based PCs
on every desktop is the mind boggling support and
administrative costs associated with this setup.
If you can get the job done with dumb terminals and a
couple of centralized servers, then by all means do so:
you'll save enormous amounts of time and money over the
long haul.
Similarly, if you can get the job done with X terminals
or PCs converted to Linux-based X terminals, do it: not
only will you save money on initial hardware and software
purchase costs, but you will also save long term on
administrative costs, see potentially better performance
than the 'Windows on every desktop' approach, and have
much better options for future expansions as your needs
change.
Many of the same issues that are driving the push toward
simple Network Computers at the personal level also apply
to business computing. Stated quite simply and bluntly:
Windows PCs on everydesktop is not an optimal solution.
This may be the strongest point in favor of free (ie,
source available) software. You _cannot_ ensure that a
company will continue to maintain, support, etc software.
Many people have been stuck when a company ceased to
support software which they depend on.
On the other hand if you have source, you can maintain it
yourself or pay someone else to do so (ie, Cygnus). It
then ceases to be "no-cost" software, but it is still
free in terms of licensing and source.
This list was born off the RedHat list, but is *not* confined to any
particular flavor of Linux.
-- Leif Erlingsson http://www.geocities.com/RodeoDrive/1998 +46 8 604-0995
Stockholm, Sweden, Tellus, Milky Way, Gods Universe. FAX +46 8 605-2551