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Upcoming Research:
Desktop Alternatives to Windows

Linux and OS X - Destined to remain niche on the enterprise desktop.

More Details
CAUTION: This content has been retired, and is no longer being maintained. It may contain information or links that are out of date and/or broken. Please use this solution set with caution.

PROJECT STATUS: ON HOLD
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Your Challenge

  • With Windows XP coming to end of life, it may be a good time to explore alternate desktop OSes.
  • Moving to a non-Microsoft desktop OS is a big leap, and while Linux is open source, the TCO of an alternative OS is likely going to be higher.
  • This solution set will help you determine if you are a candidate for an alternate desktop OS.

Our Advice

Hypothesis
  • Linux and OS X on the enterprise desktop are, and will remain niche.
  • Attempting to change from Windows is not for the faint of heart - it will be challenging.
  • The TCO of an alternate desktop OS will often be higher than Windows due to administrative, management, and support burdens.

Get to Action

  1. Get a handle on Windows alternatives.

    Decide if an alternate desktop OS is right for your organization.

  2. Evaluate the TCO of switching to an alternate OS.

    Identify the costs associated with a desktop OS migration.

  3. Understand the implementation and management challenges

    Determine if the right resources are available to implement, administer, manage, and support and alternate desktop OS.

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Tags

Linux, desktop, SUSE, OS X, Mac OS X, desktop os

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Linux and OS X - Destined to remain niche on the enterprise desktop.

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