FOSS in the Navy (Score 2, Informative)

As a Navy IT whose responsibilities include administrating one of the largest afloat networks in the world I can tell you two things: Linux and FOSS are already present onboard, but only in a quasi embedded role because the contractors who supplied the system (ala SPAWAR or similar) based the platform on Linux. These systems typically do not exist as a network asset. That is they are a ship's system and not a part of the "network" as user services are concerned. And two: It is a Microsoft shop from top to bottom and will have to remain that way. The Navy simply does not train it's personal to administer a Linux or Unix based network. Finding a few IT's with the requisite Windows admin knowledge is hard enough, but making the fleet utilize Linux? The IT workforce simply does not have the experience or training to make that jump at this time. I don't think it ever will. This is why advancement for the IT rating is so high. IT's with skill sets in Network Administration get out and join the civilian ranks after their first or second enlistment and open the ranks up for new IT's to advance.

Believe me I HATE the Windows 2003 enviorment I am forced to administer. And the SPAWAR forced enviorment on top of that which increases the issues. I'd thank God for reliable servers and workstations, but I don't for see this ever occuring. Alas I have to do my time and move to a sector that does. Nothing to see here. *shews away readers in MiB suit*