OStatic

As OSBC kicks in to high gear, speakers, attendees, and organizers have been relaying information and insights from the event with those that couldn't make the trip to San Francisco. Barry Crist, of Likewise Software, is no exception.

After attending a session led by Google's Chris DiBona and Intel's Dirk Hohndel on the risks associated with migrating businesses to open source software, Crist offered some further thoughts on how to approach open source licenses.

I'm not above admitting that I wish I'd thought of this before Dave Neary. This week, Neary called for input from businesses that have migrated from Windows and closed software to open alternatives.

Neary intends on assembling the responses as a series of case studies, with each study addressing a different stage in the migration process. Neary's request isn't industry-specific, and from the description of topics he'd like to cover, businesses with some degree of hybridization are invited to share their experiences.

Maybe it's personal bias, but a few of us here at OStatic have wondered why using open source software isn't a foregone conclusion in education.

The BBC has posted an insightful piece on open source software in schools that not only touches on the strengths of the software, but also the complexities of deploying it in these environments.

Ulteo is an interesting company. Started by former MandrakeSoft developer Gael Duval, the company aims to make using your computer easier, regardless of whether you're using your computer. The company focuses on the development and delivery of open source web applications and storage.

They offer applications such as the Virtual Desktop Beta, which runs a Linux environment over a Windows installation, allowing users to switch easily between the two, the Ulteo Online Desktop, which allows users access to a remote desktop and applications such as OpenOffice 3, and its full distribution the Ulteo Application System. Having used a few of these products, some are hits (the Windows Virtual Desktop is really sleek) and others (the Application System) still need significant work.

Today Ulteo announced another application, the Open Virtual Desktop.

Today, on his ZDNet blog, Paul Murphy wrote about non-IT managers examining the upkeep costs of an IT department. While I agree wholeheartedly that open source software is a great option for businesses (regardless of economic climate), there is more than cost to consider. Just switching everything to Linux likely will save money in the long term, but it might not be right to do, right now.

When cashflow is tight, it's madness to make snap decisions -- even if they seem to save huge amounts of money. I am by no means saying it isn't worth making this switch. But do it wisely, for everyone's sake.

On Internetnews.com, Christopher Saunders asks if Linux is really necessary for the desktop. He relates a discussion he had with a creative/marketing executive recently, and the doubts that this executive has about the ability of open source alternatives to meet his company's needs.

This conversation goes astray with the word necessary. Is Linux necessary? Is Windows necessary? Perhaps a Mac would do better here? A key point that many open source detractors -- and supporters -- miss is that there doesn't have to be an all or nothing approach to using free software.

Over at TechRepublic, Jack Wallen details ten points to consider prior to moving your organization to Linux.

Some points are far more critical for operation than others (it is easier to switch to a more suitable desktop environment than make some highly specialized proprietary applications work with Linux, for instance), but all require attention. Depending on the workplace and industry, it might be worth an administrator's time to consider a few other points as well.