[Sussex] Linux market to exceed $35bn by 2008

[Richie Jarvis]

Steve Dobson wrote:
> I'm not so sure.  Users are make M$ products incompatible themselves.
> I was at a client's site the other day and the guy I was with got somewhat
> irate because a colleague had remap the key bindings to different functions.
> While it made her life easier it didn't help him any.
> 
> If the Linux desktop (Gnome or KDE) becomes just like Windows I think we
> will loss something - a distinguishing feature - Mac have not had to 
> switch to a multi-buttoned mouse!
> 
I agree with your comment - just trying to say that the more alike they 
are, the easier people will find to switch.

Also, whereas it would be possible (if allowed) to switch users over to 
Linux, the persons who bring their own hardware in, and connect it to 
company machines would suddenly find themselves unable to, which 
instantly puts up the barriers.  The only way round that is for me to 
spend time setting up and supporting weird and wonderful devices (phones 
mostly) and trying to sync them to Evolution, or some other PIM.
> 
>>In the long term, I hope that M$ continue on their policy of alienating 
>>users and companies such that the users naturally migrate to Linux.
> 
> 
> I'm sure M$ will be pulled in two directions by the same need.  How can
> they kill of Linux using their IP if they don't show that IP is important
> to them - not the "no patches for unlicensed machines"; but exercising
> their IP control is one of the ways they help push people away from 
> Windows.
> 
> But there is a way you can help too.  If you get to specify hardware 
> select hardware that is Linux compatible today, even if the system is
> going to be running Windows.  It shouldn't be to hard to justify.  Point
> out that the ROI on this hardware is better.  If questioned show them a
> copy of the UK Government's report on Linux in Government.  It shows that
> a PC running Linux has twice the useable lifespan of one running Windows.
> By selected FOSS compatible hardware you are allowing the system to be
> used for another purpose, after it has finished its Window's life.
All the hardware I run here is Linux compatible already - I make sure of 
that.  The problem is getting the users to accept the switch.
> 
> It will also have the effect of supporting companies that are supporting
> Linux (by making their hardware specs available to FOSS developers to
> develop the appropriate drivers).  Companies that are not open to FOSS
> needs will get a smaller market share and thus have to re-think their 
> position about FOSS.
As above - the problem is the users additional devices.  Personally, I 
would love to ban them, as they represent a significant security 
problem, but I am not allowed to.  This is also Hypocritical, as I 
currently have my Treo and MP3 player hooked up to the PC at the moment 
(although it wouldn't bother me too much if I didn't)
> 
> Steve
> Linux system 
Richie
Windoze System (and currently waiting for Amanda to finish dumping so 
that I can reboot after installing the Orifice SP1 update, and 
re-partition the drive to install Linux.......grrrrrrr)
> 
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