[Fwd: NZ Linux users engage in Govt-MS bashing]
Matthias Dallmeier wrote:
Does this relate to maintaining/maintenance charges, or to purchase of new products? Suggest modifying to 'How much money has this department spent in the last financial year purchasing new commercial proprietary software products for which a viable open source alternative exists.'' -
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It should related to both the capital outlay of new products *and* mainatinance. Now this is where Linux should not be promoted as *free* software. Not only should one consider the procurement of software, but the cost of employing staff and/or contractors to integrate, manage, and maintain the software. We also should consider what hardware resources are needed to achieve the desired results with the software and what technology lifespan is expected with the hardware resources that software is running on. Downtime is also a big consideration.
It should related to both the capital outlay of new products *and* mainatinance.
Now this is where Linux should not be promoted as *free* software. Not only should one consider the procurement of software, but the cost of employing staff and/or contractors to integrate, manage, and maintain the software. We also should consider what hardware resources are needed to achieve the desired results with the software and what technology lifespan is expected with the hardware resources that software is running on.
Downtime is also a big consideration.
Nothing is ever free. OSS/FS included. Especially when it comes to systems setup and maintenance. In my experience getting the basics up and running requires more time and effort in the OSS/FS world. Particularly when trying to get MS Windows oriented hardware (particularly peripherals such as scanners and printers) to work with Linux. Speaking from experience although Linux makes for a "safer" environment in small business it does require more frucking about to get setup and stable. In a bigger corporate situation where you want extremely cut down desktops for InfoSys workers who just interact with the Intranet (and perhaps some Internet stuff) Linux would be a boon though. Regards -- Oliver Jones » Director » oliver(a)deeperdesign.com » +64 (21) 41 2238 Deeper Design Limited » +64 (7) 377 3328 » www.deeperdesign.com
Hrm. I'm not sure I'm very happy with this. The WLUG are not about either Government *OR* Microsoft bashing. We are about Linux and Open Source advocacy. This "bashing" label is not one I'd like to see applied to the WLUG, and I'd really appreciate it if someone who subs to the nz.* newsgroups (glares at matthias) could clear this up. Regards, Greig McGill President Waikato Linux Users Group Inc.
This "bashing" label is not one I'd like to see applied to the WLUG, and I'd really appreciate it if someone who subs to the nz.* newsgroups (glares at matthias) could clear this up.
Where is this "bashing"? On the news groups? Regards -- Oliver Jones » Director » oliver(a)deeperdesign.com » +64 (21) 41 2238 Deeper Design Limited » +64 (7) 377 3328 » www.deeperdesign.com
Like any good modern Sunday paper journalist, the headline does not match the content The fact that we advocate linux means we are bashing Microsoft and if we want the government to look at any change we are opposed to policy, or even worse - Radicals. At least we didn't get labeled as Nazi's, but the business card is almost as dark as a black t-shirt, so I suppose that will come too. but a simple "correction" on the appropriate list and a suggestion people read the link will expose the troller for what /he/she/it really is I dont think the Lug should worry, After all Balmer calls us worse things every time he speaks in public, so apart from the aforementioned correction, I would let this be as effective as targeting a duck in the park with a water pistol (Disclaimer: I do not advocate shooting animals or giving children plastic guns, If you do actually shoot a duck with a water pistol in a public park, the armed offenders will be called out, and then the spca will sue you, so I dont recommend it in reality) As far as I am concerned its just water of a ducks back.
Where is this "bashing"? On the news groups?
Regards
participants (5)
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Gavin Denby -
Greig McGill -
Lindsay Druett -
Matthias Dallmeier -
Oliver Jones