Evaluating Potential Alternatives to Total Dependence on Microsoft for Desktop Operating Systems and Applications
Abstract
Last year, Microsoft introduced Enterprise Agreement 6.0, which locks organizations into making significant annual payments to Microsoft in exchange for access to all software updates and new versions of covered products during the three - year period of the agreement. This program, if implemented, puts a significant burden on the IT community who will need to absorb these costs within their existing budgets. This paper examines Microsoft, how they have achieved lock-in for their line of products, and some potential alternative strategies that could provide budgetary savings. The potential solutions evaluated are: (1) Is the Linux operating system ready for desktop deployment in a garrison environment? What Linux software exists, and how does it relate to the office productivity software that is currently utilized? (2) Currently we expend a significant portion of our IT budgets on updating desktop computers, could implementation of a thin client solution extend the life of existing hardware and provide a viable desktop solution for the average user? (3) Is StarOffice a viable alternative to Microsoft Office, what are the potential compatibility issues, and are there enough potential cost savings to justify further exploration and testing?
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 07, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA415978
Entities
People
- Steven W. Altman
Organizations
- United States Army War College