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Linux Starts to Find Home on Desktops

Posted by Zonk on from the baby-penguin-steps dept.

WSJdpatton writes "The much-hyped notion that Linux would be a viable alternative to Windows to run desktop and notebook PCs for corporate users seemed dead on arrival a few years ago. But the idea is showing some new vital signs as companies look for cheaper alternatives to Microsoft products. The Wall Street Journal outlines several firms that are reaping savings and stability on their workplace desktops by rolling out Linux distributions. 'Auto maker PSA Peugeot Citroën last month said it will start using Linux on 20,000 of its workers' PCs. Novell Inc., which sells a version of Linux and is supplying it to Peugeot, says it has recently signed up several large U.S. financial institutions that are installing Linux on some employee PCs. Sales of Linux PCs are showing a really nice uptick at Novell, says Ronald Hovsepian, chief executive of Novell.' Not everyone is a convert, though. 'The State of Illinois recently consolidated its IT systems onto Microsoft software -- and has no interest in using Linux, says Paul Campbell, director of the state's Central Management Services department. "We don't have time for science projects in state government," he says.'"

2 of 364 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Don't have time by randall_burns · · Score: 4, Interesting

    What do you expect from a state where dead people voting is a cherished local tradition?

  2. Re:Don't have time by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Is this the same person??

      CMS DIRECTOR RESIGNS
    SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- The head of a powerful Illinois government agency resigned today after a sometimes-rocky tenure.

    Paul Campbell's resignation from the Department of Central Management Services takes effect immediately. He had been director for nearly two years and was assistant director before that.

    A spokesman said Campbell will become a vice president at United Health Care.

    Central Management Services is the agency in charge of most state purchasing and hiring. Its influence has expanded under Governor Rod Blagojevich (blah-GOY'-uh-vich).

    But state auditors have repeatedly found management problems there, from paying improper expenses to overstating the results of cost-cutting.

    The agency's hiring procedures have also been scrutinized amid questions about whether Blagojevich has awarded jobs based on politics.