WSJ article on Linux

[Trebuchet]

http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB117374336173334742-0t8WLwdFNFNhmcynmJ8dS7hIX1g_20070320.html?mod=blog s

Despite initial expectations by Linux promoters, few businesses were interested in using the operating system on PCs. They remained loyal to Microsoft's Windows for many reasons, including its support for Office and other business programs.

Cheaper Alternative

But Linux found strong success elsewhere: as a replacement for Unix, an operating system sold by Sun Microsystems Inc. and others that had run on specialized chips running servers. CIOs found that Linux, combined with machines using standard Intel Corp. chips, was often a much cheaper alternative to Unix machines.

The OS Linux ends up burying may not be Windows; it could well be Linux's "parent" OS Unix.

[NotPhil]

Most businesses, meanwhile, are reluctant to leave the Microsoft camp for a still-nascent environment. Linux lacks the vast array of software available for Windows PCs and switching from an established Windows set-up can lead to other costs for information-technology managers, analysts say.I'm wondering how much business software really doesn't have Linux equivalents. I'm sure there's some stuff, but does anyone know what it is, exactly?
"When you boil it all down there still isn't a compelling alternative to the Microsoft infrastructure on the desktop," says Bill Whyman, an analyst at Precursor Advisors.I guess he's talking about that missing Linux software for business. Because, after you've managed the switch, the costs are much less, and the Linux OS itself seems just as, if not more, functional than Windows.

[Trebuchet]

If you're using Unix, replacing it with Linux is a complete no-brainer. It's obviously not that simple for companies using Windows.

What I found most encouraging was the mention of employee PCs getting Linux. This is one path I've mentioned before as a possible wedge into wider Linux desktop use. Once typical PC users know someone who actually uses Linux, they'll be a lot less worried about trying it. My experience is that for most home users, "computer support" means their friend, co-worker, or nephew who is into computers, not a corporate IT wonk. Many people are very timid around computers because they're afraid they'll "break" it. Once they find someone who can fix it, they're far more willing to play around and try new things.