Dell: what sort of Linux systems would you like?

Dell: what sort of Linux systems would you like?

Posted Mar 14, 2007 16:13 UTC (Wed) by TxtEdMacs (subscriber, #5983)
In reply to: Dell: what sort of Linux systems would you like? by drag
Parent article: Dell: what sort of Linux systems would you like?

OK, a serious reply:

I think you are mistaken by taking the present situation and projecting it as holding. For instance, Novell (remember the name?) is still big installation oriented. As for proprietary add ons, what makes you certain they will not follow the same path, because of Open SuSE? Remember too their desktop is aimed at the enterprise (whatever that clichéd word means). So SuSE? Maybe.

[Admission, I did not respond to the Dell survey nor will I, because I assemble my own machines (and I will do the same when laptop components become available). Moreover, I think relying upon a top tier OEM is a mistake for Linux.]

Ubuntu has a core that could bulk up to provide support on contract quickly and it is more attuned to the individual user. Regarding an unencumbered free version, that is the Ubuntu base installation. Afterward the user is allowed to decide what they want to add. In Dell's case, should they pursue a Linux box product line, they can contract for the version they think works and sells. Like Linspire they may pay for a set of drivers, etc.

Finally, however, I doubt Dell's sincerity pertaining to the survey. Furthermore, I doubt Dell sticking their toe, oh so gingerly, into the Linux market is to the longer term good. Whatever distribution might be chosen and offered for sale to those lacking the time, desire, or whatever is required to have a working Linux computer. I think it is too likely that Dell will conclude that the Linux market it too small to support only to exit promptly and noisily. Such a scenario will confirm deep seated beliefs and be to the determent of a worthy goal.

I would much rather see a more organic, bottom up growing of Linux box assemblers offering support via a consortium of Linux Distributions(and other interested parties). The latter should also be part of a validating group of the O.E.M.s and provide sales leads to the latter.

Who knows, it might be the top tier that then fades away or there is a reordering ... I have more ideas on this topic, but I plan to write this up later so I will bore you no further.

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