The Hit List (or who we want to win over)

[bfledderjohn]

Here is where we will work on targeting organizations, both private and public that we want to start a conversation with about Ubuntu.


Bret

[borris.morris]

I would say Microsoft to make thier games more Linux friendly. Blizzard is pretty good. They use OpenGL most of the time. Basically my top ones are game makers to make thier games Linux compatable OTB.

[bfledderjohn]

Borris,

Well, you're addressing issues outside of our LoCo's jurisdiction. While I agree that Microsoft should open their code up and create software that is Linux friendly, and games should be made to just work on Linux and Ubuntu, that is beyond our scope.

We are looking at companies and organizations in Pennsylvania that we can target to build the Ubuntu user base and increase the general public's awareness.

Honestly, if the LoCos and the rest of the community are successful in significantly adding to the user base the game developers will start paying attention and porting to Linux. It's a matter of market forces. If we can create a large enough market, and when game developers smell money, they will start making games for Linux.

Thanks for the message, and supporting Ubuntu!

[borris.morris]

Yeah, I noticted it was Pynsylvanian after I posted. My bad. But yes, I totally agree. I like System 76 for this very reason. Vista will drive many users looking for something free. That and I know that my dad hates not being able to run his programs on Vista.

[hometoast]

A great place to start, I think, would be any educational institution. They're always trying to save money. Dollars is always the best way to pique interest of administrators.

It would also expose [Ed]ubuntu to any students (and other users) using the systems; think viral exposure.

The main problem to overcome is the lock-in microsoft has with large organization on a subscription.

Another problem to overcome is the myth that they must teach the use of Office to students. This is more a curriculum problem: teach them to use and understand computers systems, not software packages. With state mandates and such this may be a kicker but it's another barrier to use in education all the same.

[djen9999]

I was thinking of small start-up businesses. Especially if they need networking capabilities. Once a small business understands what Open Office is capable of, coupled with the networking power, of Ubuntu, they'll be hooked for life. There would also be the added benefit of carry over into their home systems.

[bfledderjohn]

As far as education is concerned, one of the huge opportunities is preschools and daycares. They tend to be smaller working off smaller budgets. And it would familiarize children with other operating systems besides Microsoft as they grow. Also we could tie a computer donation program together with that so that they don't even buy the computers, we provide them with Ubuntu preinstalled.

The other side of the coin is small business. That'll be a bit more difficult, since many businesses want/need tech support. There is a perception that linux doesn't have the same support that Microsoft has for desktop systems. We have to address that. Also we have to watch that many pos (point of sale) systems are not ported to Linux. Also good accounting software may be a problem.

Does anyone know of good accounting software?

[djen9999]

When I say small, I mean really small. A Mom and Pop type operation with ten to twenty employees and a network of three or four computers. Your point about good accounting software is valid however. I'm self employed so KMymoney is adequate for me. I don't know anything about GNUcash. There are a ew gaps that need to be filled.

[Puppy fam]

I like the idea of introducing (ed)ubuntu to younger children in school. If you get them started at a young age, they will get used to it and (hopefully) like it. I know someone that got introduced to the Mac. OS at a young age and now prefers it.

Also a new idea would be to set up a xanga or blog for an introduction to Ubuntu. I know there are other ones out there but, if we made our own we could put on there what we want. Also it would be a easy place to refer people to.

Just an idea,
-Puppy fam

[davep79]

How about the Pennsylvania Popcorn industry? :popcorn:

[lamalex]

Temple University has a bunch of openSUSE boxes I bet we could convince them to move to Ubuntu. The math department has a *nix lab that is all openSUSE.

[vincedia]

As both a new Ubuntu user and small business owner I would love to hear how you would get even the small "mom & pop" shops to switch. Even with only 3 employees training is going to take time and money. Not to mention a large investment in Windows software.

Don't get me wrong, I'm loving Ubuntu so far. I still need to run it on a dual boot machine with WinXP simply because some of my banking and information (PA state)sites require flash/java that I can't seem to get working with AMD64 6.10 and some major software for our office does not come in a *nix version.

One suggestion I have would be to speak to the local Bar Assoc. or Paralegal Assoc.

Once law firms get hold of something and all those lawyers start requesting the states legal system to accommodate, you get a pretty powerful group to push for change. If you can get the state on your side, lots of those mom&pop shops that look for state business will take notice.

Show the lawyers and their staff how much they can save and what else is possible besides using MS products.

Just my $.02

P.S. If anyone knows a program to replace Time Matters (time tracking, contact management, and case management) software, I would love to hear about it.

Thanks all,
Vince
SE (Delco) PA

[lamalex]

P.S. If anyone knows a program to replace Time Matters (time tracking, contact management, and case management) software, I would love to hear about it.

Info at hand CRM http://www.infoathand.com/?gclid=CPTkqdOkqYsCFQzXgAodtFaGcw very powerful CRM suite, we use it at my work (ubuntu based IT company:) ) and it works great. I would say check it out, from the quick glance I gave time matters it looks like IAH can do most if not all of it. I've been very pleased with how it's been working out for us (as an employee) and my boss loves how we actually use it because it's very easy to use.

[kejava]

I'm a big fan of winning over the non-profit orgs (NPOs). Since I moved here from Mass in 2001 I've been hammering away at several different NPOs in the Philly area. It's been very slow progress. My main objective has always been to create a Linux presence. So far I've done presentations at or simply interacted with the following organizations:

Non-profit Technology Resource (http://ntronline.org/)
I volunteer here at least once a month for their Bring a Computer Workshop. I also started a Linux laptop project for all their antiquated laptops (hasn't gotten very far). I did a presentation for them 3 years ago on Linux thin clients for hardware reuse. The directory of NTR hates Linux and open source software for reasons unknown. However, afters years of discussions he seems to be changing his mind. NTR has deep connections with other NPOs, especially schools.
Main Line Computer Users Group (http://mlcug.org/)
I just started going to this. Only been to one meeting. These guys are hardcore ex-Amiga / Commodore64 users. Very organized. We can learn a lot from them. They even have about 4 Linux users.
Philadelphia Area Computer Society (http://www.pacsnet.org/)
I've been a member here for almost a year and a half. So far I've given three presentations to their Linux SIG on wireless config, multi-media (audio), and thin clients (ltsp). PACS is very slow moving but they have many contacts in the community.
North Light Community Center (http://www.northlightcommunitycenter.org/HOME_northlight.htm)
Provided a presentation on thin clients to them. Only talked with them once. I believe they would use Linux if their admin had LoCo support.
Team Children Project (http://www.teamchildren.com/childrensproject/children's_project.htm)
I talked with the guy running this years ago. He's a bit crazy but the people working for him are Linux users. They could benefit from LoCo support.
Open Borders Project (http://www.openbordersproject.org/English/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1)
Man, I really like this group. Manuel Portillo runs this NPO. I talked with him a few years back when he was trying to setup a small Linux lab. The support wasn't there so I believe he went with an MS solution.
MALT Computer Volunteer Group (http://mywebpages.comcast.net/malt02/)
I just got back from their Wednesday night meeting a few hours ago. They want me to get them started up with an Ubuntu server eventually move up to a small thin client network. They have some interesting program for getting single moms setup with their own PCs. Very nice people.


I swear there are couple more I've worked with. I can list more details later if you're interested. I have some pretty far out ideas about using LoCos for bridging the digital divide. Much of it involves bringing several NPOs together. Anyway, gotta go to bed.

[lamalex]

Kej we should chat, I would love to help you out with this. I'm on irc a lot and my messengers are all listed to the right.

[Puppy fam]

I don't know how many of you listen to the Kim Komando show (I don't listen regularly, maybe once a quarter) but we could try and win her over to Linux. I know it is a long shot (and I mean long) but maybe it is worth a shot?

What do you think?
-Puppy fam

[kejava]

A very good idea :) Although I never heard of her, I'm not sure it would be a long shot. I just read her About page and found this:
Her mother was part of the team that developed the UNIX operating system.We may need to have a few successful projects under our belts before we approach her.

[Puppy fam]

A very good idea :) Although I never heard of her, I'm not sure it would be a long shot. I just read her About page and found this:We may need to have a few successful projects under our belts before we approach her.

I believe you are right about successful projects; I think we should wait before we try to do anything with her. This is mainly because if we have any hope that she will say something on her radio show, I think Ubuntu has to be a little more average-Joe friendly.

[lamalex]

at least wait until a few weeks after feisty's release. It's coming out very well so far. OOo is quicker, drivers and codecs are easier, it's looking good. I think this is a good idea, anyone have a plan of action? Maybe see if we can get some reps from the LoCo for her to interview?

[kejava]

Now that you've mentioned radio stations, I would like to add them to the hit list. I may have already mentioned this in IRC but I've been working on a personal software project for the past couple of months. It's an automated audio/video ripper and encoder. I've taken the Sony XL1B2 media changer + the mtx changer software and wrapped it up in some simple Python code. This created a functional audio ripper/encoder application. I used it to rip/encode my wife's 172 audio CD collection in one night.

This could be a good service to provide to radio stations: college, commercial, non-profit, whatever. As long as they give us a plug or just tell our story.

My original python app was all command line based and far from user friendly. The next version has a GUI. I still have a lot to learn about python + gtk + glade but so far it's coming along nicely.

You guys know of any radio stations that might be interested in this? We don't even have to do the process ourselves. Just get them to install Ubuntu on a PC, buy the changer, and run our software. Show them the power of Linux and free software.