Bake-Off: 4 Linux Desktops Tackle The Enterprise

The Bottom Line
Surface-deep features are not enough anymore, as more companies than ever before are seriously considering migrating to Linux. However, the UI and navigational changes that Linux vendors are making in Linux desktops to improve the user experience are still far behind Windows. Simple routines such as adding a Flash player or Java plug-in on Firefox can be a tedious experience. The Linux File Manager is not as intuitive as Windows Explorer.

While all four Linux vendors offer attractive suites, Novell leads the pack by paying close attention to enterprise features that allow users to work with .Net and Visual Basic macros. Novell also has the manpower to assist solution providers on large-scale deployments.

For the enterprise, Red Hat Enterprise Linux Desktop 5.0 is the competition, but its software bundle did not impress Test Center engineers. Linux vendors need to offer the best productivity tools they can bundle to remain competitive with Windows. Red Hat offers a highly competent desktop product but its default productivity products are too simple.

Red Hat also fails to provide some open- source Microsoft technologies out of the box, including key features in OpenOffice that allow users to import various Microsoft Office objects and files. Enterprise customers will be looking for interoperability and compatibility with Microsoft.

What's more, with the exception of a remote monitoring service, which is useful for managing desktops, the Red Hat Exchange partner program aims to help primarily ISV partners sell enterprise middleware and provide support.

Linspire and Xandros are forging ahead with many new, innovative features that simplify usability. Both products are geared toward SMB and departmental-level deployments, rather than large-scale enterprise rollouts, and are worth considering for such applications.

Linspire's CNR service is a plus. However, Linspire isolates users from Windows applications and files more so than Xandros. Xandros is more expensive than Linspire because the company has taken the bold move of offering the CrossOver Office suite for environments where it's necessary to run Windows applications. We think it's the right approach and worth the extra expense for most customers.

Shopping The Ingredients

COMPANY: Linspire San Diego, Calif. (858) 587-6700 www.linspire.com • PRODUCT: Linspire Five-0 • PRICE/SUPPORT: $60 with installation support • PARTNER INCENTIVES: Participate in revenue sharing from software downloads up to 15%. • PROGRAM PARTNERS: 4,500 resellers. • PROGRAM COSTS: No program fees. • DISTRIBUTORS: Ingram Micro

COMPANY: Novell Waltham, Mass. (781) 464-8000 www.novell.com • PRODUCT: SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 • PRICE/SUPPORT: $50 per year, per seat with technical support, updates. • PARTNER INCENTIVES: MDF available based on partner level • PROGRAM PARTNERS: 5,400 resellers • PROGRAM COSTS: Varies depending on program level, type and training. • DISTRIBUTORS: Alternative Technologies, Ingram Micro, Synnex, Tech Data.

COMPANY: Red Hat Raleigh, N.C. (919) 754-3700 www.redhat.com • PRODUCT: Red Hat Enterprise Linux Desktop 5.0 • PRICE/SUPPORT: Starting at $60 per year for 1-socket desktop with basic support. • PARTNER INCENTIVES: Two-level partner program offers MDF, free training. • PROGRAM PARTNERS: NA • PROGRAMS COSTS: NA • DISTRIBUTORS: Ingram Micro, Navarre.

COMPANY: Xandros New York (212) 213-8083 www.xandros.com • PRODUCT: Xandros 4 Professional • PRICE/SUPPORT: $100 with installation support for 90 days. • PARTNER INCENTIVES: All leads are passed to partners; 2% MDF for Gold partners • PROGRAM PARTNERS: 150 resellers • PROGRAM COSTS: $299 for middle-level Gold partners. • DISTRIBUTORS: Ingram Micro, Navarre.