[clug] Lindows/Linux Info

[Don Benesch]

I thought I'd post this information from the Lindows folks.
They seem to be moving quickly into the desktop arena.
Don

Last week's issue of BusinessWeek quoted Microsoft's CEO as calling Linux "wacky." Those of you keeping score at home will need to add that to the list of descriptors emanating from Redmond directed at Linux ("cancer," "un-American," "unreliable," etc.). It should be obvious to even the casual observer that Microsoft is launching a multi-pronged attack intended to derail Linux. Their smear campaign is looking for negative words to attach to Linux. MS is funding SCO, enabling them to hound companies with lawsuits. (Just recently MS demanded all documents between Lindows.com and SCO/Caldera as part of our trademark lawsuit, illustrating how closely MS is tracking SCO.) At the same time, they're offering sweetheart deals to block Linux adoption around the world. What's remarkable, is that us "wacky" competitors are gaining ground, in spite of resistance from the richest company in the world. Regions around the world are moving towards desktop Linux in a meaningful way -- not just with public proclamations of intentions, but actual deployments. Here's a review:

Canada - Lindows.com announced a 30,000 machine deployment, government adoption, and the opening of a local office. Canadian retailers, such as Sub500, have already been selling desktops and laptops for some time.

China - Sun kicked off a significant partnership, laying the foundation for a million-desktop Linux installation next year. Their Chinese version should be ready by the end of the year and gives Linux an important stronghold in a country yet to widely embrace the PC revolution.

Germany - SuSE has done well in their own backyard with the city of Munich announcing a high profile wholesale migration to Linux on the desktop and on servers. More cities are sure to be right behind them.

Israel - One of Israel's top technology retailers Newron has begun selling boxed software and pre-installed LindowsOS computers.

Italy - Questar, a leading importer of software titles is pushing Linux in a big way including sponsorship (along with IBM) of LinuxDay in 80 Italian cities, bundling with magazines, reselling software and will shortly begin signing up computer vendors.

Japan - Edge has powered Japan to the number 2 desktop Linux market behind only the US. They're marketing products in almost all major Japanese retail outlets, they have tier-two vendors selling computers and are showing impressive early successes.

Latin America - 40,000 value-priced LindowsEspañol computers are being manufactured and will be available in one of the largest Latin American retail chains, just in time for Christmas demand. This is a great illustration of how low-cost computers are driving demand in emerging markets.

Netherlands - DV Computer systems is offering a wide range of desktops (from 325 euros) and laptops (from 823 Euros) all running desktop Linux. In the Netherlands, Lindows.com has several consultants, and a number of software resellers.

Turkey - While they have not been mentioned in the press, Turkey is one of the earliest countries to embrace desktop Linux.  Led by Komtek, one of the leading technology importers, the Linux population in Turkey is exploding.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of countries or regions moving towards desktop Linux. These are developments that Lindows.com has direct knowledge of and can speak about publicly. The first deployments are always the most difficult. Look for more rapid global expansion in 2004.