Hewlett-Packard is closing custom deals for thousands of desktop PCs running Linux, which has the company assessing the possibility of offering factory-loaded Linux systems, an HP executive said. "We are involved in a number of massive deals for Linux desktops, and those are the kinds of things that are indicators of critical mass. So we are really looking at it very hard," said Doug Small, worldwide director of open source and Linux marketing at HP. "We are in a massive deal right now for multi-thousands of units of a desktop opportunity for Linux. That's an indicator." He declined to give details about the deals.
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Member since:2006-04-21
It does not matter what distro they select, what drivers they use, or what packages they select, people in the Linux community would give HP a hard time if they bundle Linux.
Oh really? I can only see "the Linux community giv[ing] HP a hard time" if they bundle Novell.
Any other distro, people who don't want it will just install their own. I, for example, wouldn't object to being described as one of the strongest critics of Microvel and Ubuntu - but, the difference between the two is, I would be happy to buy a laptop with Ubuntu preinstalled, even although I would have to do some work myself to get it up to my required spec. (And if they DID preinstall Ubuntu, then who knows? Many of the issues I have with it, such as inadequate hardware support, might disappear.)
If they sell it for free without support or charge and offer support, people in the Linux community are going to complain about it.
If they are going to preinstall Linux, then they should give it support on the same basis they give Windows support.
Member since:2005-07-24
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Oh really? I can only see "the Linux community giv[ing] HP a hard time" if they bundle Novell.
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Do you really think so? My perception is that the "Boycott Novell" crowd is already boycotting so many things,likely including email and telephones, that they would have a hard time getting their message across, outside of like minded Internet forums.
My historical grounding is in RH/Fedora. My current favorite distro is Ubuntu. But I think that SLED would be a fine choice.
Member since:2006-10-11
twenenx: If they are going to preinstall Linux, then they should give it support on the same basis they give Windows support.
Which means "none" and would suit me just fine.
EDIT: Oh, my bad. If you mean providing drivers and BIOS updates through GNU/Linux, this would be splendid. I thought of desktop support. Again, sorry for any confusion.
Edited 2007-03-09 13:28
Member since:2005-07-06
It does not matter what distro they select, what drivers they use, or what packages they select, people in the Linux community would give HP a hard time if they bundle Linux.
I think you have a good point. Picking a distro can be problematic (e.g., if they pick Suse, as one poster mentioned). Should or should they not put "proprietary" bits in (either way 50% of the people will complain)? What, if anything should the bundle? The list goes on.
How should a company navigate this often "grouchy" group?
Member since:2006-04-21
How should a company navigate this often "grouchy" group?
Lowest common denominator method, just as they do now (by installing Windows). Install Ubuntu, no proprietary stuff, same kind of software bundle as they do with their Windows machines: IE -> Firefox, WMP -> Amarok, MSOffice/Works -> OpenOffice.
Member since:2005-07-06
Create their own distribution based Fedora, brand it according to their company motif - HP Desktop Linux; work with third party software vendors and create the same level support as for their Windows counterpart.
The problem is that every time companies have dumped Linux onto desktops, every hardware company has made a half ass attempt to actually turn it into something that is attractive to the end user - and unfortunately I don't see things improving.
HP is the same Microsoft whore that it always was; cutting their spending on their own UNIX in favour of a closer relationship with Microsoft, lack of investment and discloser to supporting HP printers on Linux, lack of working with third parties to bring software to Linux.
I don't think Dell is going to change a thing; they reveal onthe fact they spend nothing on R&D - they're nothing more than the manufacturing wing of Intel and AMD; so the likelihood they would spend the necessary kind of money to turn Linux into a tempting alternative to Windows is highly unlikely - as for the announcement about the position over Linux? nothing more than a PR stunt to get their name in the paper.
Edited 2007-03-08 22:09
Member since:2006-06-02
I think I understand your points, but taking a snapshot of the the market place today, is not going to be the same image in the future. The article, as well as many other stories are showing a growing interest in the Linux Desktop, after all sales are growing.
The "complainers" in the Linux community are very much like any family or organizaation. Until someone takes the lead, and moves decisively, the "group" will sound like squabbling hens. Everyone has an opinion, a favorite, or their own unique view of what the future should be. When decisive moves are made most will be pleased and glad to follow. Of course there will always be those who will continue to grumble, but for the most part they will allow for some level of approval.
This article is showing another point in the journey. The big OEMs selling pre-installed Linux in the consumer market place is going to happen. This article is an indicator.
Edited 2007-03-08 20:14
Member since:2005-07-06
The big OEMs selling pre-installed Linux in the consumer market place is going to happen. This article is an indicator.
Wow, I hope you are right. I wonder though, how many are ready for success. I guess many of us would have to switch to some other niche OS to get our geek buzz. I wonder if I can run Plan9 on my laptop?
Member since:
2005-06-30
This guy is not the CEO or VP, he is a "director of open source and Linux marketing at HP".
Maybe he was afraid Dell was getting too much good press for certifying some of their desktop hardware for use with Linux and this is his attempt to steal Dell's thunder?
I also don't really think it will make much difference.
It does not matter what distro they select, what drivers they use, or what packages they select, people in the Linux community would give HP a hard time if they bundle Linux.
If they sell it for free without support or charge and offer support, people in the Linux community are going to complain about it.
They are milking the publicity without having to adopt the tar baby.