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How Munich Abandoned Microsoft for Open Source

An anonymous reader writes "TechRepublic has the story behind Munich City Council's decision to ditch Microsoft Windows and Office in favor of open source software. The project leader talks about why the shift was primarily about freedom, in this case freeing itself from being tied into Microsoft's infrastructure and having control over the software it uses. He talks about how the council managed to keep such a large project on track, despite affecting 15,000 people and spanning nine years. He also warns against organizations justifying the shift to open source software on the grounds that it will save money, arguing this approach is always likely to fail."

6 of 294 comments (clear)

  1. "always likely to fail" by toygeek · · Score: 3, Funny

    Which is it? "Always" or "Likely"?

    Pairing those two words together like that is always likely a mistake.

  2. Re:Let me guess by RabidReindeer · · Score: 5, Funny

    They will shit their pants when they see the open office suite completely messing the layout of the documents.

    If it takes nearly a decade, they must be pretty constipated.

  3. Re:Let me guess by Charliemopps · · Score: 1, Funny

    Lol, the fact that you're still using ANY office suit tells us how out of touch you are. Word and Excel documents are dead...

  4. Don't hold back by DaveAtFraud · · Score: 4, Funny

    Tell us how you REALLY feel about Exchange. We can take it.

    Cheers,
    Dave

    --
    They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither safety nor liberty.
    Ben
  5. Re:Long-term costs by Hognoxious · · Score: 4, Funny

    Don't get me started on much Win 8 retraining will cost.

    I can't imagine. Does the interface work by doing Tai-Chi moves?

    How many times do I have to tell you, it's "flower growing through snow" to open a file; you had your left hand the wrong way up - that's "badger with two dicks fucking a pigeon".

    Huh? Oh, it deletes your entire HD and kills your cat.

    --
    Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
  6. Re:Let me guess by Ol+Olsoc · · Score: 3, Funny

    It's fucking ludicrous how bad Exchange

    THIS!

    When the hell are those damn FOSS slowpokes going to get off their asses and write their own fucking ludicrous substitute for Exchange?

    --
    The shepherds did so well protecting the flock that the sheep no longer believed that wolves existed.