---------- Original Message -------------
Subject: [SLE] Server success in Windows environment
Date: Wed, 13 Oct 2004 15:42:04 -0400
From: "Paul W. Abrahams"
To: suse-linux-e@suse.com
<SNIP>
I'd be interested in ideas on how to sell Linux in this environment, but I
have to be honest about it, and the office staff, unlike me, has little
inherent reason to make the change and a big reason (the learning curve) not
to.
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This is something I and others have been wrestling with in the religious & non-profit arena. I know of some highly skilled Linux gurus who just can't seem to make the case for Linux in their various enironments. I've got to meet with another minister next week, so I've got a chance to get my act together before I go. I've seen a couple of different factors involved in Win --> Linux migrations - whether in business or non-profits. Cost is a major issue - and is one reason why Mississippi is turning to Linux, as are other government entities. I've also been getting questions from other ministers about the Windows security issues (IE, etc.), which is a great opportunity to bring up solid reasons for migration.
The long-range cost savings should be enough to encourage them to migrate at least some users. Not everyone needs MS Office. You really only need that for stuff like advanced Excel macros (from what I've read, using Novell's story as an example). A complete Mozilla/Firefox installation should be considered as an immediate solution to the IE security issues - assuming they don't need some kind of special IE functionality. You've got the US Government's own warning not to use IE to back you up on that. These are just some initial thoughts - might at least get yer wheels turning.
Don
--
Web Developer
Matheteuo Christian Fellowship
webdev@matheteuo.org
http://matheteuo.org/
Free software is like God's love - you can share it with anyone anywhere anytime!