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Re: [LUG] Marketing Linux

 

Hi Group

I've been reading this thread from the point of view of a (very new) user of Linux who is also interested in the USP described by Rob.

I run a small business (2 people, a couple of pc's and a couple of wireless laptops) specialising in technical writing - user guides, manuals, that sort of thing. We use XP Pro along with Office 2003 and use Firefox, Thunderbird and Sunbird.

We have a lot of data we can't afford to lose and recently looked into a Server system. MS SBS was quoted, along with a server, tape streamer for backup, etc. The quote was very pricey (for us) and being locked in to MS was not appealing. So we opted for a simple "home built" Linux based server, accepting that there would be a steep learning curve.

After playing with SuSE Linux 10, we got a wired network running relatively quickly using Samba. Next step will be to get the tape backup working, wireless connections up and running and then play with an e-mail server, anti virus, etc. Just about everything Rob mentioned! Play being the word here, we don't want to become a Linux experts.

I was impressed with SuSe 10 - almost plug and play. But, loading software not on the SuSE DVD has been a different kettle of fish. Installing rpm's for a backup program was like being back in the dark days of DOS. I used YAST (but it was not plain sailing) and I guess, with time, I'll get used to installing new software, but it could be easier. Oh, for a simple double click on the equivalent of an exe file (a shame, too, our Canon All-In-One is not supported with Linux drivers).

I suspect issues such as this will make Linux maintainability a hard one to sell to a small business that can't / won't invest in some training (most of them are on tight margins) or just want to remain plain users - a computer is only a tool, after all.

As a company, we are prepared to seriously look at Linux on desktops. But, we still need compatibility with good Windows based programs like Framemaker.  We must remain compatible with the major software our clients use, so we'll need to dual boot and then, financially, there is no advantage in moving to Linux. I guess this will be the position for many small businesses (I wish OpenOffice 2 was 100% compatible with Office 2003, but that's another thread).

Its a interesting USP, Rob, there are a lot of small businesses out there whose IT costs are very high. 
We are based in Torbay - perhaps you could contact me?

Cheers
Stuart Miller


Rob Beard wrote:
Hi folks,

Earlier on today, during a break from a job interview I was having, I
was in WH Smiths having a look at the magazines.  There was a couple in
there discussing the magazines on the shelf.  I couldn't help but notice
they were talking about Linux magazines.

>From what I could see, they were parents looking for a magazine for
their kids.  I'm guessing their kids had asked for a Linux magazine. 
They were looking at the Linux Format guides on Suse & Mandriva and also
the other Linux mags (Linux User & Developer, Linux Format etc).

I was in a bit of a hurry so couldn't really give them any advice on the
spot, but it got me thinking...

As you all may or may not know, I run my own business providing computer
repairs, upgrades etc.  There seems to be a lot of people advertising
computer repairs (I can think of three I have seen locally in Torquay,
one guy whom lives in the same street as me!).

Now I was thinking about a unique selling point.  Most of the local
people offering computer repairs seem to cover the usual - virus
removal, upgrades, repairs etc on Windows.  I haven't however seen any
(yet) offering any sort of Open Source offerings.

On the past couple of jobs I've done, I've been telling my customers a
bit about Linux & Open Source.  I've been providing them with copies of
Firefox, Thunderbird and OpenOffice.org for Windows.  I've been dropping
into the conversation about Linux, usually when they ask me about the
next version of Windows they've read bits about in magazines.

I'd like to do a bit more to help promote Open Source.  I'm now just
about completely moved over to Ubuntu (okay, I'll admit, I still do run
Windows under VMWare for my MiniDisc recorder and printing CDs on my
Epson R200 printer).  I daren't switch my girlfriend's PC over yet, I
get enough grief from her for going near her PC!

What I'm wondering is, are there any sites out there which can give me
help in promoting OpenSource (and hopefully my business too!). 
Microsoft have something for small system builders to push
Windows/Office/Exchange etc, but to be honest, it's hard to be
competitive when I've got to stick £60 on the price of a PC for Windows
(competing with Dell is hard enough as it is!).

Rob


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