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Dell starting to sell Computers with Linux
I_am_Rambi writes "Dell is starting to sell PCs with RHEL WS. The trio of workstations come with either a P4, or Xeons (Dual capable). Prices range from $759 to $1263 (after rebates). Linux Desktops has more information." From the article: "Dell spokesperson Jeremy Bolen said the company basically defines a workstation as a heavy-duty desktop or notebook that is certified to work with various ISVs applications, including those for computer-aided design, video editing, modeling software for the gas and oil industry and other similar applications. Bolen argues that companies will purchase workstations for those specific jobs versus buying them as desktops for so-called knowledge workers, who spend time emailing, word processing and creating PowerPoint presentations. "
It seems every once in a while, like when contracts with Microsoft expire, we hear Dell is selling Linux computers and then as soon as the stories appear the computers end up buried in some hard to find place on their website.
It's short sighted to claim immediately that there are *any* savings to pass on at all. It's not as though these machines magically appear with an OS on once it's been decided. From my experience in the industry (and this in a much smaller company than Dell even), you will require a very efficient scheme for installing the OS to the machines remotely. These kinds of systems don't just appear overnight - they need planning, development and exectution. Critically, they will need to evolve over a period of time to approach the efficiency of those that have been in use for years and which are thoroughly tested and bug-free.