The desktop Linux which began gaining momentum in 2002 is receiving ardent support from an increasing number of admirers. Since then, the Linux potential in the Indian scenario has never looked so real. While some critics continue to take a cynical view, surely but steadily the move towards the penguin appears imminent.
p____p Currently the most ardent proponent of Linux, Novell, seems determined to enter the desktop space as its corporate desktop pilot programs based on Linux are afoot in South East Asia. The interest in Linux desktops has moved from mild to serious consideration in many
organizations. Although Gartner and Novell agree that it is not expecting a mass move to Linux anytime soon, a significant number of deployments are paving the way for corporate customers to evaluate open source and determine if the OS meets their needs.
p____p Novell, which recently completed its US$210 million acquisition of SuSE Linux, has been
hogging news headlines with its reports of launching a slew of SuSe software packages and training programs in Asia-Pacific. It is to yet be seen how much success the company can garner in its pursuit of building a complete Linux desktop as an alternative to Microsoft, in the next 12 months. Perhaps 12 months is a little too early for a complete shift, but there is certainly no stopping this juggernaut.
p____p 2004 is positively turning out to be the year of Linux, with a host of IT honchos pumping in their billions to see Linux make its way onto the desktop, while RedHat, and other distributors subtly gain ground.
p____p Today none other than IBM is making the largest investment, and when the Big Blue makes a statement it is known to take its words very seriously. It has bet big bucks on Linux development by building research facilities, benchmarking labs, etc. while all the time setting an example for other computer manufacturers to follow suit.
p____p Linux distributors have never had it so easygoing ever since companies such as HP, IBM, Dell etc. started introducing its Linux initiatives. The greatest challenge however is to get the assembled market to offer Linux versions, and for that to happen, customers will have to create the need. One only hopes that cheaper and effective Linux offerings from MNCs will drive the need and help create that much needed involvement from the home segment.