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IBM-Ubuntu Package Offers Alternative To Windows 7 By Mark Long October 21, 2009 2:24PM     IBM and Canonical are offering the Ubuntu Linux-based operating system and IBM software as an alternative to Windows 7. The IBM Client for Smart Work platform supports existing enterprise computers and avoids the expense of upgrading to Windows 7. IBM said its IBM Client for Smart Work offers a path to cloud computing where it makes sense.   Related Topics IBM Canonical Ubuntu Linux Windows 7 Cloud Computing Latest News Plasma-TV Ban Could Be Costly Barnes & Noble Nook Is Delayed Flat PC Shipments Hurt Dell's Stock Ballmer Says Windows 7 Sales Good New Pogoplug 'Cloud' Gets Social IBM and Canonical have introduced a desktop computing package for enterprise PCs, laptops and low-cost netbooks. Called the IBM Client for Smart Work, the new cloud -based computing platform integrates IBM productivity and collaboration software with Canonical's Ubuntu operating system. IBM Client for Smart Work will enable companies to use their existing PCs, lower-cost netbooks, and thin clients while saving up to 50 percent per seat on licensing costs compared to using a Microsoft -based desktop, an IBM spokesperson said. What's more, companies can expect hardware savings by not having to upgrade to the requirements for Windows 7. "If a company is a 'Windows shop,' at some point it will need to evaluate the significant costs of migrating its base to Microsoft's next desktop," said IBM Lotus Software General Manager Bob Picciano. IBM Client for Smart Work "can help them free up PC expenses to use for more strategic collaboration and business transformation projects." Creating Something Better According to Gartner, the cost of migrating to Windows 7 from Windows 2000 or XP can range upward to nearly $2,000 for PC users. Moreover, the hardware requirements for Windows 7 will add significantly to the cost of switching to Microsoft's new OS. However, a recent analysis of more than 450,000 corporate PCs by Softchoice found that 88 percent support the minimum requirements for Windows 7. So enterprises will need to evaluate which company areas make the best economic sense for IBM Client for Smart Work deployments. "Instead of positioning the IBM client as a 'drop-in' replacement for the status-quo desktop, IBM is looking to create something better -- focused on usability, openness and security with a path to cloud computing -- in market segments that make sense," said IBM Software Vice President Bob Sutor. IBM Client for Smart Work offers open-standards-based components such as Canonical's Linux-based Ubuntu platform for netbooks, laptops, desktops and servers. Also forming part of the package is IBM's Lotus Symphony business productivity suite, which is available for download free. The package's enterprise-class e-mail capabilities will either come via IBM Lotus Notes or through IBM's cloud-based LotusLive iNotes, which is available for $3 per user, per month. The cloud-based platform also provides social-networking and collaboration tools via LotusLive.com at a price of $10 per user, per month. (continued...) 1  |  2  |  Next Page >   Advertisement  Data Management 1.   New Pogoplug 'Cloud' Gets Social 2.   Chrome OS Will Focus on Security 3.   Salesforce Makes Business Social 4.   Windows Azure Ready To Live in Cloud 5.   First Aid for Forgotten Passwords

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Network Security Spotlight

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Enterprise Hardware Spotlight

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Enterprise Technology Spotlight

Flat Shipments Hurt Dell Despite Increased Earnings Dell's earnings are up and expectations are solid, but the company's stock still took a hit after analysts signaled the company isn't playing a key role in the PC market recovery.   Smartphones: A Bigger Target for Security Threats Smartphones are increasingly prevalent and adept at handling more tasks, including trading stocks, paying bills, and buying stuff online. That makes them attractive to thieves and hackers.   FBI Says Hackers Targeting Law Firms, PR Companies Hackers are targeting law firms and public relations companies with a sophisticated e-mail scheme that breaks into their computer networks to steal sensitive data, often linked to large corporate clients.

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