|
.
I just returned from the LinuxWorld conference
in San Francisco, the annual event that showcases all things Linux, with a few
thoughts about the state of Linux.
There were a handful of big companies (Intel,
Red Hat, Sun, HP, IBM, AMD) that have come to the undeniable realization that
Linux will impact their businesses in a meaningful and positive way. The
inherent cost advantage clearly illustrates that Linux adoption is just a
question of “When?” not “If?” the impact will be felt.
Disappointingly, virtually all the companies
exhibiting were focused on the server or the behind-the-scenes computers, not
the computer sitting in front of the end-user. Bringing Linux to its largest
audience, the desktop, is the last chasm to be crossed – it is also the biggest
segment that will have the largest impact due to the sheer volume of desktop
users.
But, when it comes to desktop users, Linux is
like gold on the moon. There's tremendous value if you can figure out how to
get there and bring the gold back to earth. LinuxWorld has always been about teaching people how to build their
own rocket ship in their backyard with spare kitchen items. While there's a
certain excitement for some in this endeavor, most people don't have the time or
the skills for such an undertaking.
To bring Linux to the desktop, organizations
need to make the power of Linux accessible to earthbound humans in a
point-and-click manner, bringing the gold to them. This is our goal at
Lindows.com and there are other groups striving for this same end. In the last
year, we have seen dramatic strides toward this goal. It's now easier to install Linux
than any Microsoft operating system (see www.tryoutlinux.com).
LindowsOS, for example, takes less than 5 minutes to install. (Click
here to download LindowsOS right now or order a CD and see for yourself.)
Using Click-N-Run, Linux users have leapt bounds over existing technology in
ease-of-use when it comes to installing software. These are key components to
bringing Linux down-to-earth and accessible to a wider audience. There are other
companies making this a reality and we think it's time to showcase desktop Linux
and educate people that Linux is now practical for the desktop.
In February of next year, on the 20th and 21st in San
Diego, California, Lindows.com will be hosting the Linux Desktop Summit (www.lindows.com/summit). Companies and organizations dedicated to
making Linux viable on the desktop will be coming together to showcase their
efforts. If your organization is interested in reaching this audience, please
sign-up for our mailing list and we'll notify you as more information
becomes available. Anyone interested in deploying Linux for their everyday computer
in business, school and home should take advantage of this opportunity to hear
from actual companies and educational institutions about how Linux is, in a
cost-effective way, fulfilling computing needs.
While Lindows.com is the lead sponsor, there
will be a wide range of companies participating, including some of the largest
hardware and software companies in the industry. One of the most
prominent resources for desktop Linux users, DesktopLinux.com will be in
attendance as they, and other supporters, share the same belief that the time is ripe for
consumers to use Linux as their desktop interface.
Parties interested in attending Linux Desktop
Summit can sign-up at
www.lindows.com/summit. Exhibitors interested in presenting product at the
conference can sign-up at
www.lindows.com/summit as well. This is an exciting time filled with
positive change; we hope that you can be part of the excitement at the Linux
Desktop Summit.
Michael Robertson
P.S. As a special thank you
to all our Insiders who are
helping us shape the direction of LindowsOS, we are allowing free admission to Linux Desktop Summit. Insiders also receive a TWO-year
membership to the Lindows.com "Click-N-Run Warehouse" (a $198 value) for $99.
You'll want to hurry though, as this offer
ends with the General Release of
LindowsOS later this year.
The Michael's Minute Meter
View the Michael's Minute Meter Report
|
