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Lufthansa Systems Chooses Linux

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the flying-the-penguin-skies dept.

Nice2Cats writes "Remember all of the jokes about operating systems as airlines? Well, Heise is reporting that Linux is just going to take over the computer systems of Germany's airline Lufthansa instead. SuSE and Lufthansa Systems have a joint press release (in German, it should appear here when it comes out in English) out where Karlheinz Natt from Lufthansa Systems gushes (my translation): 'We are registering a steadily increasing demand for Linux-based solutions from our customers.' "

6 of 135 comments (clear)

  1. I wonder... by Black+Parrot · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...whether Bill Gates will fly Lufthansa when he makes his emergency trip over with his checkbook.

    --
    Sheesh, evil *and* a jerk. -- Jade
  2. The downside? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Tickets will be upwards of $1000 because SCO's licensing fees will be built in to the price.

  3. It's Lufthansa Systems by tgreiner · · Score: 5, Informative

    This is an agreement between Suse and Lufthansa Systems, which is the IT consulting branch of Lufthansa. This does not mean that Lufthansa itself will switch to Linux. It means that Lufthansa Systems sees a higher demand of Linux by its customers...

  4. clarification by SilverSun · · Score: 5, Informative

    "Lufthansa Systems" is a spin-off company from "Lufthansa" the airline. They provide IT to many companies, airlines (e.g. Lufthansa") and others. This does _not_ mean, that Lufthansa (the airline) will switch to linux. "Lufthansa systems" has provided Linux support for quite a while to customers who request this. This means that the number of customers is increasing beyond the limit where "LH Systemes" can satisfy the demand on their own, and/or that they are not (yet?) willing to enlarge their linux department.

    Cheers

    --

    KdenLive/PIAVE - non-linear video editing

  5. Good idea by Pharmboy · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Actually, using open source software is probably a good idea for ANY govt., since it not only gives them the opportunity to inspect the code, but also make changes. As long as the govt. doesn't get into the distribution business, it doesn't even have to put their changes back into the pool, although it would be a good idea for most code.

    Another benefit is you don't have to worry about the vendor of the OS 'buying off' govt. officials to use their operating system. Since their is no one company that produces linux, it means they always have choices.

    The other benefits are price. its not that linux is free, price wise, because its really not considering you usually need support as you would with any OS. But you can choose from more companies for support, different flavors of Linux for different projects (and still have it being compatable) Also, since it is an open standard it is cheaper to maintain. Since governments pay for all this software with their citizens taxes, a system that has the potential to save millions means more money in taxpayers pockets, or at least being spent on other projects.

    Microsoft or no Microsoft, do YOU feel comfortable with your government having only ONE vendor and source for operating systems for critical services?

    --
    Tequila: It's not just for breakfast anymore!
  6. Error by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    landing-gear.so not found.
    Did you forget to run ldconfig?