Listen to the column Leveraging Linux, or visit our Podcast Center to hear more by James Gaskin.
Linux news pops to the top of magazines and blogs constantly now, and even the most traditional IT executives admit to being curious. If the word comes down to you that a Linux pilot is needed, check out the work done by many to improve technology in our schools. Some readers tell me they've saved a fortune in money and time.
The K-12 Linux Terminal Server Project (K12LTSP) has many fans willing to shout loud and long about terminal-based Linux systems. Think of this technology as the Open Source balance to the world of Citrix terminal servers.
You can't replace every corporate desktop with a Linux thin client and keep your job. However, you can find some specialized applications that match quite well with the features of Linux terminal server systems.
Where do you have groups of users accessing a small list of controlled applications? If your custom applications run inside a browser, you can be ready to roll in no time. I've heard about call centers, shipping departments, help desks, and even benefits kiosks inside company cafeterias running Linux. Hmm, a kiosk computer that won't revert to a BSOD. What a wonderful idea.
Jump on the green bandwagon as well. Your old corporate desktops, far too weak to run Vista or even XP, can be jumping Linux clients. Every old PC not sent to a landfill will save time and money and count as a good deed.
Since the basis of K12LTSP is Fedora Core 5 from Red Hat Linux, you may already be familiar with the software. If not, and your company has been wondering about Red Hat enterprise server software, this may be a nice introduction. And if your company allows some work time for noble causes, any improvements you make fall under the GNU General Public License and will go back to the community. The school network you help to improve may be your own.
Don't call these Linux systems if you don't want to, or it's bad karma to use the L word inside your company. Describe them as secure, low cost terminals using industry standard hardware. But do keep track of how much you save in time and money so you can amaze your management.
