Linux vs Windows - Conquering a Windows Based World

IT Manager Paul Wheeler has successfully replaced the city’s Cisco gear with 2 Vyatta Inc Routers that run Debian Linux.

In a more dramatic money-saving move, the city did a complete network upgrade to implement a voice-over-IP system based on Asterisk, an open-source PBX system from Digium Inc. in Huntsville, Ala. The Asterisk VoIP system cost about $120,000, whereas a Cisco system would have run about $400,000, he said.

A good switch over story, anyone in the Government should spend a few minutes reading the entire story.

Yes, you read the headline correctly.  The same company that once called Open Source a “cancer” now embraces it, and in fact has opened a site to tout their commitment to Open Source. Still don’t believe it.

“By embracing diverse application development approaches and partner business models, Microsoft participates in a world of choice in which individuals and organizations can pursue their goals based on what uniquely inspires them, including open source.”

So if open source and Linux are cancers that erode value in the world, why does Microsoft now support it?

Linux is still gaining ground despite Microsoft efforts. In order to stay competitive Motorola has realized the product development has to move quickly, and that Linux provides the vehicle to do this, in fact all of their advanced technology development is done on Linux says Mark VandenBrink, a Motorola fellow and chief architect of systems software at the company.

“At Motorola, 60% of its phones are built on a Linux platform, but it is just one of the companies embracing Linux as a way to build handsets, run servers and desktop computers and deliver other technology.”

I guess someone should send them to the Microsoft get the facts site, so they can learn that they are completely wrong by doing this. Who are you going to believe?

Best Western has selected ExaDigm to design and implement their wireless Point-of-Sale Terminals, which is a PC-based platform running Linux.

“Best Western’s decision to replace its existing legacy terminals with ExaDigm’s XD1000 Counter Solution highlights the real benefits that a Linux-based system has over comparable terminals from other manufacturers, all of which continue to utilize inflexible, development intensive, proprietary operating systems,” said Michael Mulcahy, CEO of ExaDigm.

And the reasons that is was selected?

• Performance
• Reliability
• Security
• Ease of use

HP has just purchased Neoware for $214 million. Neoware provides thin client Linux, Windows CE, and Windows XPe OS software.

HP made a particular point of stating that acquiring Neoware is intended to accelerate the growth of HP’s thin client business by boosting its Linux software, client virtualization and customization capabilities, expanding its regional sales footprint and broadening its hardware portfolio. 

Sounds like Walmart will be selling a sub $300 Ubuntu Linux PCs later this year.

“Everex announced yesterday that Wal-Mart will carry its GC3502 PC. Today, an unidentified reliable source close to the company revealed that Everex is readying a version preloaded with Ubuntu Linux”

Talk about hitting mainstream.

The UK’s largest Open Source email system for schools has gone live.  Carmarthenshire County Council chose to build the new email system using Open Source for the following reasons.

• Secure
• Customizable
• Scalable

Always seem to the same reasons that organizations move to open source software.

“Pupils and teachers now have access to three different versions of the system depending upon age group. For example, primary school children use e-mail through a simple interface, whilst secondary school pupils use more advanced features.” 

Case study can be found at the Sirius Website.

Something amazing is occurring in Europe that I never thought would occur this quickly.  IE’s market share is dropping at an alarming rate.  Firefox has gained nearly 3.7 points over the last 4 months. Survey was conducted from July 2, 2007 to July 8, 2007.  Details covered at XtiMonitor. 

According to a survey by Ingres, 77% of businesses in the UK have already deployed or are planning to deploy open source software in their business. Top reasons for switching are

• reduced costs
• adding value to business
• keeping lights on

“The report found that the versatility and adaptability of the open source model is allowing companies to eliminate historic vendor lock-in, reduce database management costs and rapidly develop critical business applications, including Business Intelligence, Data Warehousing and CRM solutions. ”

It gets no bigger than SAP. Seems like a testimonial to me of what direction large corporations are moving. Covered in RedHat press release

“Customers can substantially reduce costs, time and effort with Red Hat Enterprise Linux Advanced Platform that would only otherwise be possible through the purchase, implementation and maintenance of software for virtualization, storage management and high availability,” said Werner Knoblich, vice president and general manager EMEA at Red Hat”