Novell Signs Linux Deal with Australian Government

truthsearch writes to tell us ITWire is reporting that Novell has just signed a deal with the Australian government to become an approved supplier of Open Source software and solutions. This deal, believed to be the first of it's kind, "places Novell on the NSW government panel of preferred open source suppliers. This is the first panel contract of its kind by an Australian jurisdiction that contains provisions specific to open source software, giving government agencies and departments formal access to Linux solutions."

Re:Why don't all governments...

[jimmyhat3939]

Personally I think the biggest problem is users being so used to the Windows/Office environment. I know some companies such as Linspire have tried to make Linux/OOo an easier transition. I don't think they've really succeeded to the point where a company/government can make a seamless transition. At the same time, most developers (myself included) would rather not spend hours converting Linux/OOo to look just like XP or Vista. So, the current state of affairs is unlikely to change much in the near future. I do believe that if some enterprising group/company decided to make Linux/OOo look and feel 95%+ like Windows, getting organizations to switch would be a no-brainer.

This could be bad for Linux

[jimmyhat3939]

I've only used Novell setups a bit, but in my experience, they don't have nearly the functionality or sophistication of some of the other Linux configurations out there.

Also, a little known fact is that NSW used NetWare up until 1999 I believe. That could have had something to do with their decision to allow switching.

Re:Novell stitches up Linux deal with Aus Governme

[ignavus]

NSW has about 35% of the Australian population. It isn't just 1 of 8 state and territory governments, it is the *biggest* state government.

Re:Someone to blame

[killjoe]

1) When was the last time MS took the blame when their software went wrong.
2) Please name the CIO who thinks their company can sue MS so I can publicly humiliate him for his stupidity.

Re:Why don't all governments...

[jx55]

My guess is that any Australian company would only be a Novell/Redhat reseller (effectively) which would add on a margin that they could avoid by going direct - I don't know of any home-grown distros out there...

And since when do Govt departments go for Aussie suppliers of anything. It will only get worse with the Aus/US Free Trade Agreement.

An aside - Does anyone in Australia see the changes to the Patents system under the FTA doing anything positive for the local industry. Most of the changes seem to favour large companies only (are there any large Aus-based software companies - Anyone, anyone?)

Re: a little known fact

[Fuzzy Bo]

WRT "a little known fact is that NSW used NetWare up until 1999 I believe" - the NSW Ministry where I am a contractor is *still* using Netware (Groupwise, eDirectory, iPrint, ...) and are (AFAIK) quite happy with it. Any mention of bringing replacing the Novell products with Microsoft ones is met (figuratively) with fingers held up in the sign of the cross!

Re:Why don't all governments...

[recharged95]

I think you hit it on the head. People just can't get off the current comfort level with Office. I mean even with the quirks, the basics of Office just works.

OSS companies need to tell customers the truth that it's gonna be either the hardway (cold turkey) or easy way (99% copy, then weeined off) to get away from Office. "What would you like?"

Re:Why don't all governments...

[mattjb0010]

Admittedly I don't work for a big firm, I have about 35 users split across two businesses. The reason why we'll still with XP as long as possible boil down to cost, and also the fact that we're working with an OS where we know the ins and outs, and the companies that supply us with (groan) Windows software also want to target a relatively stable, well known platform too. It took us a long time before their software was XP ready. The GUI in MS Windows is a relative non-issue as it's stable enough for most users across upgrades. I'm getting people to use OS X for their home use (email, web apps, basic Office stuff, photos, etc.) because OS X gives a reasonably secure, easy to use system.. the iLife apps rock. The servers we'll stick to a mix of FreeBSD and Windows 2003 SBS (unfortunately no choice on the latter). Best tool for the best job. ;)