Linux on Wall Street Conference
LinuxPlanet has a write up synopsis of the discussions at the recent "Linux on Wall Street" conference. Basically players such as IBM and Novell discussed the state of the Linux desktop, open source licensing and IP, and more.
Novell says its ready to bust out with the Desktop using OpenOffice 2. They claim to have several customers ready to roll out 250K plus seats to the SuSE desktop. IBM execs were not as Linux desktop enthusiastic.
The desktop discussion centered around the technology and whether Linux was "ready" in that regard or not. Personally I think thats the wrong discussion, its ready, its been ready, the issue is more psychological related than capability related (I think).
Windows is entrenched in brains, not just file formats, and its still viewed as a risky and even offbeat move to go with a Linux desktop in a business setting. Modern Linux desktops can support any file format, do have a ton of software choices for most business tasks and do have the full support of large companies that distribute them (in addition to other things that might be considered advantages rather than just equivalents to Windows, security, stability, cost, etc).
Its a good read, checkit here.
Comments
RE: Linux on Wall Street Conference
Thanks for printing this information.
"IBM execs were not as Linux desktop enthusiastic." Is very true. I am at IBM, as far as I see from my end, there still is no defined Linux deployment plan. Initially, 2005 was to be the year of the Linux desktop. After reading internal memos, and speaking to people involved in any rollout...I hear "IBM has ceased the deployment of Linux due to lack of funds". I did find out, this year, IBM should by the end of the year have all of their web based applications follow W3 standards, and function on the now "officially IBM supported" Firefox browser.
This is a good sign that perhaps they will get people used to open source applications and make transition (if it ever occurs) to Linux transparent.
I use Linux daily at IBM, although not IBM's "C4EB" (Client for E-Business build) (RedHat EL 3 WS based). I use Mandrake.
I don't really care that Linux is not on everyone's desktop. I shall still use it. IBM is so in bed with Microsoft, don't hold your breath for Windows to go anywhere.
RE: Linux on Wall Street Conference
Amen brother, I worked for IBM for 5 years, about 6 years AGO and there was a lot of talk about things that didnt really pan out concerning Linux even back then (hell there was even talk of an IBM Linux distro). I have to give IBM credit though for supporting lots of Linux initiatives and open source in general.
And as to IBM and Windows, they are bedfellows, but strange ones after the OS2 mess(es).
If IBM could just get back to the desktop they would have to total package, and they know that. The OS2-Windows battle (if you can call it that) ended with lots of bitter feelings but somehow also with a large IBM commitment to Windows.
Oh well, an idea whose time has come will previal, e.g. Linux, its not a matter of "if" for the Linux desktop, just when.