Leadership By Numbers :: Linux Lotus Client Continues to Draw Stares

Category Open Source
Yesterday, Digg.com placed the news of the Linux Lotus Client on its first page, and Software Development Timespublished a lead article on the recent blooming of Lotus and its Linux client (out in paper, now, to be placed on-line in a few days).

The Times article quotes Arthur Fontaine who explains that the wait for a Linux client was only "due to simple economics."

We were waiting for Eclipse to be ready. We've been maintaining code for Windows and Macintosh, and we didn't want to add Linux and a third codebase . . . . With Eclipse, we go into a mode where we're devleoping apps for Windows, Linux and Mac OS with one code stream. . . .

Now [companies] can deploy resources and existing applications to a new class of desktop. This changes your financial dynamics, especially where they're looking for low-cost desktops.

The article goes on to explain a little of the pricing structure for Domino/Notes, but neglects to mention the Domino Express offering, which is a better choice for cost-conscious SMBs.

Addendum 8/1/06: Todd Williams (Genuitec's VP of Technology and leads its Eclipse Technology Consulting Practice) has an overview of using the Eclipse platform as a desktop application. Being that Eclipse is the base for the Linux Notes Client, most of us evaluating the client should find this of interest.

Comments

2 - Hark, I can see that it looks as though IBM is trying to squeeze out new revenue--I don't think the "value unit" is a deception. The industry recognizes that with dual-core CPUs and virtualization, there really isn't an easy guideline for CPU count. Look at what VAR Business says http://www.varbusiness.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleId=191600341&printableArticle=true and tell me what you think.

IBM execs say their new software pricing plan is just a first step. It looks like a step in the right direction--toward customers paying for the value they get. That's the drumbeat to which the entire industry must march.

Posted by jack dausman At 03:21:52 AM On 08/05/2006 | - Website - |

1 - Unfortunately, Domino Utility Server Express is now also infected by IBM's latest change in licensing models. Want to know how much to pay? Easy, just count how many "Value Unit Licences" you need and your done. How many "Value Units" do you need for a specific machine? Again, easy: Simply refer to the processor Value Unit table on the Passport Advantage site...

Great improvement.

Posted by harkpabst_meliantrop At 11:05:38 PM On 08/04/2006 | - Website - |