I'm quoted in this article in ZDNet News on open source. The article probably makes it sound like we're contemplating a move to Linux or OpenOffice here in Utah. Such is not the case---there are a lot of hurdles to overcome in moving to Linux or OpenOffice. At this point, I'm more inclined to open source solutions on the server side and, in some cases, clients on the desktop. Here's what would change my mind:
User demand. If an agency got tired of paying license fees to Microsoft and wanted to make a move to Linux or OpenOffice, I'd support it. What would it take to succeed?
- Careful planning
- Flexibility
- Pilot programs
- Executive management support
- User training (maybe the most important factor)
