Virtual Ubuntu with Notes -- Do You Want It ?
Category IBM/Lotus Linux Ubuntu
IBM is now offering the African package of its Virtual Ubuntu for the rest of us. It's touted as a choice fit for today's netbooks--a downsized desktop for the pintsized workstation. Does it really make sense ? It's definitely a splashy topic. The news made it on Slashdot, with an unusually large number of respondents. Let's look at the parts:
An IBM-Canonical VDI looks like an arrangement where the pieces fit well together: each link stands well on its own merits. Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols gives his summary analysis of IBM's news, and concludes with a pricing breakdown. If your site is running Lotus, then you need to be evaluating VDI possibilities. If you are not using Lotus, then you couldn't ask for a better friend during your next round of negotiations for license renewal.
Update: I'm looking to identify some point of contacts for the IBM Business Partners who can provide the VDI solution. I've worked with Virtual Bridges, and I know they are included in the list. In the meantime, there is a ROI/TCO calculator with some more details.
Technorati Tags: Ubuntu, VDI, IBM/Lotus
IBM is now offering the African package of its Virtual Ubuntu for the rest of us. It's touted as a choice fit for today's netbooks--a downsized desktop for the pintsized workstation. Does it really make sense ? It's definitely a splashy topic. The news made it on Slashdot, with an unusually large number of respondents. Let's look at the parts:
- Ubuntu on a netbook has proven itself, even providing a 'Remix' version best suited for the smaller netbook screens. Dell just released their Ubuntu 9.04 ISO, so anyone can purchase brand-name hardware that supports Ubuntu.
- Virtual Desktop Integration (VDI) is starting to get some serious attention. These platforms have come a long way from their earlier, nearly dumb terminals based on protocols like VNC. Citrix and Microsoft are promoting the XenDesktop package, with VMware and Parallels presenting their own VDI infrastructure. Canonical's Ubuntu has had several different VDI choices, but with the addition of IBM's approval and partnership, Ubuntu under VDI is being recast as Enterprise Grade.
- Lotus Symphony looks good and works well on Windows, Macintosh and Linux. As a Microsoft Office alternative, it's a good choice, but it's not the only player. The question for IT managers is whether or not Sun's OpenOffice is preferred to Lotus Symphony. Both have large companies behind their development, offer support and sell at a zero price point. Until recently, I would have understood a hesitancy to pull in Lotus Symphony. But, Sun is now in negotiations to be purchased by Oracle; a company that is not a flagbearer for Free Open Source (FOSS). The future of OpenOffice is uncertain, and IBM is strongly committed to the ongoing maturation of Symphony. Interestingly, Lotus just released an upgraded Symphony development kit that uses a Visual Basic style of programming (LotusScript) that works with Lotus Notes.
- Lotus Notes is now at release 8.5.1, and has revitalized their entire product line. It's obvious from numerous press accounts, that inclusion for iPhone support has been widely welcomed. Lotus Notes has been polished up and shows well in any office environment. Rob Koplowitz, Forrester Research's principal analyst summarizes that,"Lotus can now go side-by-side with Microsoft in a UI bake-off." Add in the integration capabilities of Lotus Notes and Lotus Symphony and there is now a framework for a uniquely productive office suite. I'm not sure there is anything equal to it. With the addition for Sametime IM and Quickr Entry, IBM has a challenge to Google Apps.
An IBM-Canonical VDI looks like an arrangement where the pieces fit well together: each link stands well on its own merits. Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols gives his summary analysis of IBM's news, and concludes with a pricing breakdown. If your site is running Lotus, then you need to be evaluating VDI possibilities. If you are not using Lotus, then you couldn't ask for a better friend during your next round of negotiations for license renewal.
Update: I'm looking to identify some point of contacts for the IBM Business Partners who can provide the VDI solution. I've worked with Virtual Bridges, and I know they are included in the list. In the meantime, there is a ROI/TCO calculator with some more details.
Technorati Tags: Ubuntu, VDI, IBM/Lotus
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Posted by Nancy Hand At 05:09:20 AM On 10/22/2009 | - Website - |