Vista launch best argument for Linux says IBM exec

Some interesting snippets fron the report

From:
<a href="http://www.freeformdynamics.com/fullarticle_subscribe.asp?aid=678">Linux on the Desktop</a>

<strong>Desktop Linux adoption is primarily driven by cost reduction</strong>
When asked during a recent online survey of over a thousand IT professionals with experience of
desktop Linux deployment in a business context, over 70% of respondents indicated cost reduction as the primary driver for adoption. Ease of securing the desktop and a general lowering of overheads associated with maintenance and support were cited as factors contributing to the benefit.

<strong>But deployment is currently limited, and challenges to further adoption frequently exist</strong>
The majority of desktop Linux adopters have only rolled out to less than 20% of their total PC user base at the moment, though the opportunity for more extensive deployment is clearly identified. In order for Linux to reach its full potential in an organisation, however, it is necessary to pay particular attention to challenges in the areas of targeting, user acceptance and application compatibility.

<strong>Selective deployment based on objective targeting will yield the highest ROI and acceptance</strong>
Rolling out Linux to power users, creative staff and highly mobile professionals can represent a challenge from a migration cost, requirements fulfilment and user satisfaction perspective. However, the needs of transaction workers and general professional users with lighter and more predictable requirements can be met cost-effectively with Linux without running into the same user acceptance issues. With groups such as this typically accounting for a high proportion of the user base, there is a clear opportunity to deploy desktop Linux selectively. Optimisation of the desktop estate is therefore likely to be achieved through a mix of Windows and Linux in most situations.

<strong>Linux desktop roll out is easier than expected for properly targeted end-user groups</strong>
Those with experience are much more likely to regard non-technical users as primary targets for Linux. The message here is that in practice, Linux is easier to deploy to end users than many imagine before they try it. For the majority of application types, including office tools, email clients and browsers, there is a strong consensus that the needs of most users can be met by native Linux equivalents to traditional Windows solutions. Where this is not the case, thin client or browser based delivery and/or one of the various emulation or virtualisation options are available.

<strong> focus on usability reflects a maturing of thinking</strong>
In line with the acknowledged importance of a good user experience, usability is now the most sought after attribute of a Linux distribution. Together with the emphasis on cost reduction already seen, this suggests a maturing of attitudes in relation to Linux, shifting the previous focus on pure technical considerations to a more balanced view of what really matters in a business context. This observation is significant when reviewing the mainstream relevance of the desktop Linux proposition.