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David Johnson wrote: > On Tuesday 03 June 2008 11:19:09 bill@xxxxxxxx wrote: >> We have been installing Linux and ERP systems for nearly 10 years and Unix >> for 15 years before that. >> >> Is anyone else out there interested in the commercial aspects of Linux, the >> opportunities it offers and how widespread Linux is in the business >> community. >> >> If there were enough interest Ylem would be happy to offer to host a >> meeting to discuss the topic >> > > I'd certainly be interested in hearing from you guys what kind of growth and > changes you've seen over the last few years - especially if you'll be > providing food like last time ;-) > > The impression I get is that use of Linux in businesses in the region has > grown significantly over the last five years or so, but it's all been done > fairly quietly - mainly small and medium businesses, some of whom don't even > realise they're using it as they've bought a transparent black-box solution > which 'just works'. > > Regards, > David. > Sirs, I have used Linux and open source for most business purposes*; email, documents, spreadsheets, internet browsing etc. * own business and three charities. The only thing not available to work out of the box for small business on open source Gnu/Linux is an accounts package that allows for UK VAT & EU VAT. So for business I keep one Windows box with QuickBooks Pro (second hand cheap copy but works)purely for accounts. Otherwise I could go Gnu/Linux totally. I assume there are Gnu/Linux proprietary accounts programs available but I started on this one and kept it going as no open source alternative. If you can point me in the way of a VAT friendly Gnu/Linux program (OpenSource) I would be thankful. GnuCash is not suitable for UK/EU use, I have t r i e d! The work arounds are somewhat troublesome. Maybe some development here would enable a 'complete package ' working out of box for Open Source to be made available. In my opinion this is the major stumbling block to using Gnu/Linux for small business , usually starting on a shoe string budget. Any thoughts? Regards Eion MacDonald -- The Mailing List for the Devon & Cornwall LUG http://mailman.dclug.org.uk/listinfo/list FAQ: http://www.dcglug.org.uk/linux_adm/list-faq.html