Which Linux Desktop Packs The Most Punch?
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System builders considering a Linux desktop are faced with a dizzying array of choices. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of Linux distributions to choose from. Narrowing the field of contenders basically comes down to what works best for both the system builder and its customers.
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Finding that fit often leads system builders to pursue a commercial distribution over an open-source one. Today's commercial desktop Linux distributions make a lot of sense for system builders, mostly because of three factors: recurring revenue, licensing and support.
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With that in mind, the
CRN
Test Center set out to compare commercial versions of Linux that are aimed at the channel, specifically the custom-system channel. After considering several commercial distributions, the Test Center narrowed the field to three channel-friendly players: Linspire, San Diego; Novell, Waltham, Mass.; and Xandros, Ottawa, and their respective products: Linspire Five-0, SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 (SLED 10) and Xandros Business Desktop Linux.
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While comparing these three very different distributions proves to be difficult, all have one thing in common—a desire to be the Linux of choice on desktop computers, and that requires a commitment to system builders.
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Comparing these products head to head requires breaking down the category into the areas that matter most to system builders. For our criteria, we focused on ease of installation, features, support, compatibility, value, user experience and channel programs.
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EASE OF INSTALLATION
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While each of the distributions offer simplified installation, they each take a different path to the installation process. We also considered that system builders have different needs than end users and are concerned most with installation shortcuts, such as imaging, scripting and mass deployment tools.
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Linspire dives head first into the system builder market by offering a system-builder-specific channel program. Part of that program consists of allowing system builders access to ISO-based distributions that are geared toward mass deployment of the Linspire OS via
technology. What's more, Linspire offers its Burn-It and Ship-It tools, which make it easy for system builders to test and prepare their desktop Linux
systems for the marketplace. Ship-It restores the Linspire OS to a first-boot experience, allowing system builders to deliver a system that is ready for customers to customize.
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\ While each of the distributions offer ample tools for system builders, Novell's SLED 10 edges out the others by incorporating policy-based installations and imaging preparation tools built into the installation process. \ FIRST PLACE: SLED 10 \ SECOND PLACE: Linspire \ THIRD PLACE: Xandros |
With SLED 10, system builders can use the AutoYaST tool to build and deploy SLED 10 distributions via a network connection. Using that method, white-box assemblers can
off a network connection and then have SLED 10 pushed down to the system. Otherwise, installers will have to go through a lengthy but simple standard installation.
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SLED 10 has an additional advantage: In early November, Novell and Microsoft agreed to share some technology and development items, which should bring about more options for deploying SLED 10 on Windows-based networks.
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The installation wizard associated with Xandros is aimed at the end user. But the company does offer a special ISO build for system builders, which provides a special first-boot wizard. That feature allows users of OEM systems to configure their user settings when they receive the system.
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FEATURES
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Linspire, SLED 10 and Xandros are all chock-full of features, and many of those features are shared across the distributions, while some others are unique to the particular vendor. When it comes to a desktop Linux, two features reign supreme: connectivity and
processing.
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Linspire offers a plethora of bundled software, and if a user needs something not included out of the box, Linspire offers its Click'N'Run (CNR) service, which allows users to simply connect to an online store and purchase commercial software or
open- source software and then auto-install those applications.
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However, for most users, what's included should meet the majority of their needs. Linspire users will find tabbed Web browsing, Hot Words, in-line spell checking and pop-up ad blocking, along with support for QuickTime, Windows media,
and Java.
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The product also offers a complete office suite in the form of OpenOffice, which includes word processing, spreadsheet, drawing and slide presentation applications. OpenOffice also offers good compatibility with Microsoft Office.
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\ With the robustness of its bundled applications, SUSE Linux Enterprise desktop delivers a strong feature set. \ FIRST PLACE: SLED 10 \ SECOND PLACE: Xandros \ THIRD PLACE: Linspire |
Linspire also includes a multiplatform
application that supports multiple IM accounts such as AOL Instant Messenger, MSN, Yahoo Messenger and ICQ. Specialized features include the above-mentioned CNR service, digital media support for photos, music and video and an e-mail
that offers good compatibility with existing
servers.
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SLED 10 offers many of the same features as Linspire, but the bundled applications with SLED 10 are more robust. For example, SLED 10's e-mail offering, Novell Evolution, offers compatibility with Microsoft Exchange, along with group scheduling and collaboration support. And Novell's OpenOffice includes additional compatibility features, such as support for Microsoft's macros in documents and spreadsheets.
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SLED 10 also includes GIMP image editor, a high-end graphics editing application that offers an experience similar to Photoshop. Users will also find several other features bundled with SLED 10, such as a desktop search engine, Citrix client and Linphone, a VoIP desktop client.
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Xandros' bundled Xandros Business Desktop offers many of the same features as its competitors, but with an interesting twist. Xandros includes CrossOver Office, an application that allows users to install a variety of Windows applications, such as Microsoft Office and Lotus Notes.
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Xandros also comes with StarOffice, the commercial version of OpenOffice, which includes additional support and compatibility features. What's more, Xandros' ability to mimic other operating systems (such as Windows and MAC) can be a valuable feature for those sites looking to transition from those platforms over to Linux.
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Another element worth noting is that Xandros bundles in a terminal services client that is compatible with systems running Microsoft Windows Terminal Server, which allows Xandros users to have access to legacy hosted applications.
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SUPPORT
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Support tends to be one of the hardest elements to judge when it comes to a software distribution. What's more, many system builders have different preferences when it comes to support. Some are perfectly happy with Web-based bulletin boards and online knowledge bases, while others prefer interaction with a support technician.
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\ Novell has the largest in place and most experience in supporting channel partners. \ FIRST PLACE: SLED 10 \ SECOND PLACE: Linspire \ THIRD PLACE: Xandros |
All three companies offer enhanced support for a fee to end users, which can be important to solution providers.
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Both Xandros and Linspire have done an excellent job of building online support offerings. But over time, system builders will find that Linspire offers support that is a little better than what Xandros has to offer, mostly due to Linspire's active bulletin board system and comprehensive knowledge base. Xandros, though, is not far behind Linspire when it comes to technical support and offers much the same in support capabilities.
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Still, Novell takes the lead here basically because the company's existing support mechanism for its broad array of products made it easy for Novell to redeploy support for SLED 10. Both Xandros and Linspire have had to build their technical support offerings from scratch.
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While each of the distributions offer ample tools for system builders, Novell's SLED 10 edges out the others by incorporating policy-based installations and imaging preparation tools built into the installation process.
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FIRST PLACE:
SLED 10
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SECOND PLACE:
Linspire
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THIRD PLACE:
Xandros
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With the robustness of its bundled applications, SUSE Linux Enterprise desktop delivers a strong feature set.
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FIRST PLACE:
SLED 10
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SECOND PLACE:
Xandros
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THIRD PLACE:
Linspire
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Novell has the largest
in place and most experience in supporting channel partners.
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FIRST PLACE:
SLED 10
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SECOND PLACE:
Linspire
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THIRD PLACE:
Xandros
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While each of the distributions offer ample tools for system builders, Novell's SLED 10 edges out the others by incorporating policy-based installations and imaging preparation tools built into the installation process.
\
FIRST PLACE:
SLED 10
\
SECOND PLACE:
Linspire
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THIRD PLACE:
Xandros
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With the robustness of its bundled applications, SUSE Linux Enterprise desktop delivers a strong feature set.
\
FIRST PLACE:
SLED 10
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SECOND PLACE:
Xandros
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THIRD PLACE:
Linspire
\
Novell has the largest
in place and most experience in supporting channel partners.
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FIRST PLACE:
SLED 10
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SECOND PLACE:
Linspire
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THIRD PLACE:
Xandros
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COMPATIBILITY
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Compatibility can mean many things. When we set out to compare this element among the three distributions, we defined compatibility as the ability of products to support various business applications and connect to networks.
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Xandros is a strong candidate here simply because the product includes CrossOver Office. What's more, Xandros offers "personalities" that mimic Windows, MAC OS, Unix and other
to make the transition to
easier.
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\ Bundling CrossOver Office gives Xandros a leg up in the area of compatibility. \ FIRST PLACE: Xandros \ SECOND PLACE: SLED 10 \ THIRD PLACE: Linspire |
Both Xandros and SLED 10 include the Evolution e-mail and scheduling application, which offers compatibility with a broad range of e-mail servers.
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All three products include variations of OpenOffice, an open- source office suite. Novell has tweaked
for additional compatibility while Xandros offers StarOffice, which incorporates additional features to allow seamless document
across various platforms.
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Linspire comes in last in compatibility, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. Many end users going the Linux route are looking for basic PC functionality and price and just simply don't care about seamless compatibility with other operating systems.
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There is one other consideration when it comes to compatibility. Novell has partnered with Microsoft to allow cross development and support of each other's technology. That relationship will be sure to boost Novell to the top of the list when it comes to compatibility with Microsoft technologies.
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VALUE
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Value simply comes down to how much you pay for what you get. Value is not the same for everyone. For some users, particular needs will outweigh a lower price. Others will find there is no reason to pay for what they don't need.
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\ For many business clinets, functionality will likely trump price. \ FIRST PLACE: SLED 10 \ SECOND PLACE (TIE): Xandros, Linspire |
When it comes to bang for the buck, Linspire is hard to beat with its low initial cost and access to additional
packages. Those users looking for ease of customization and access to a multitude of Linux applications will find Linspire's CNR service a great value.
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Xandros is no slouch here either with commercial products such as StarOffice and CrossOver Office adding value to the product line. Small businesses may find the feature set, bundled software and ease of use associated with Xandros the best deal.
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But from the perspective of the channel, SLED 10 would appear to deliver the best value for enterprise deployments. Sites relying on Microsoft or Novell networking technologies will find that SLED 10 offers a feature set that matches their networking needs as closely as possible.
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USER EXPERIENCE
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While most Linux distributors push the idea that Linux is different than Windows, that ideology is a tough sell for those looking to compete in the Windows-dominated custom-system market.
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The Linspire
is aimed at those who want a Windows-like experience, not those looking for radical change. When it comes to using Linspire Five-O, users will find the
appealing and easy to navigate and all the major PC software offerings well-represented.
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\ If you want Windows experience, get Windows. For those looking to experience LInux's deeper benefits, SLED 10 may be the way to go. \ FIRST PLACE: SLED 10 \ SECOND PLACE: Linspire \ THIRD PLACE: Xandros |
What's more, Linspire Five-O's desktop interface is designed to bring simplicity to
management. A digital photo organizer, a media player and data
are included with the OS. Linspire's application service not only offers a multitude of other applications, but keeps a history of what users have installed so that they can replicate their preferences to other systems or, if necessary, restore their systems.
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SLED 10 offers excellent usability, such as the support of XGL, which allows the implementation of 3-D effects to the desktop interface on par with what Windows Vista users will experience.
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Bundling CrossOver Office gives Xandros a leg up in the area of compatibility.
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FIRST PLACE:
Xandros
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SECOND PLACE:
SLED 10
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THIRD PLACE:
Linspire
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For many business clinets,
functionality will likely trump price.
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FIRST PLACE:
SLED 10
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SECOND PLACE (TIE):
Xandros, Linspire
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If you want Windows experience, get Windows. For those looking to experience LInux's deeper benefits, SLED 10 may be the way to go.
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FIRST PLACE:
SLED 10
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SECOND PLACE:
Linspire
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THIRD PLACE:
Xandros
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Bundling CrossOver Office gives Xandros a leg up in the area of compatibility.
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FIRST PLACE:
Xandros
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SECOND PLACE:
SLED 10
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THIRD PLACE:
Linspire
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For many business clinets,
functionality will likely trump price.
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FIRST PLACE:
SLED 10
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SECOND PLACE (TIE):
Xandros, Linspire
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If you want Windows experience, get Windows. For those looking to experience LInux's deeper benefits, SLED 10 may be the way to go.
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FIRST PLACE:
SLED 10
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SECOND PLACE:
Linspire
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THIRD PLACE:
Xandros
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When it comes to familiarity, SLED 10 is more complicated to use then the other two distributions, mostly because of the robust feature set and reliance on Linuxspeak throughout the interface. Many of the Linux terms will be alien to
users, but savvy users should be quick to adapt to the changes.
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Xandros offers a plethora of software products to support the typical user's needs. E-mail can be supported via Thunderbird or Evolution and graphics editing capabilities come from GIMP, an open- source alternative to Photoshop. Users also have the ability to work with video, MP3s, photos, digital cameras, music players, TV and
capture cards, and all of those capabilities are included right out of the box. Xandros also includes several products that make the product user friendly: Codeweavers, CrossOver Office, KDE Desktop Windows Emulator, Xandros
manager and the Versora
tool.
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CHANNEL PROGRAMS
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All three vendors are actively pursuing channel partners, but no one makes it quite as easy as Linspire with its latest partner program. Depending on volume, Linspire can cost the system builder as little as $20 per desktop.
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To further sweeten the pot, Linspire is offering system builders commissions on software purchased through its download service. Any time an end user purchases additional software via the service, system builders earn a commission. Commissions are paid quarterly and will hover around 15 percent for as long as 18 months from the original system purchase.
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\ Linspire gets the nod for a smart idea: Giving system builders a piece of the aftermarket application sales to boost their profits. \ FIRST PLACE: Linspire \ SECOND PLACE: SLED 10 \ THIRD PLACE: Xandros |
Novell follows a more traditional approach when it comes to the channel. Novell's partner program for SLED 10 system integrators consists of four levels: Ready, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Gold and Platinum levels are by invitation only, while Silver costs $1,500 per year. The Ready program level has no fee.
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Silver partners have access to Novell's tech select support service and are eligible for beta product testing. Training commitments vary based upon partner level and discounts increase with partner commitments. Novell's partner program is complex but offers elements that should satisfy any system builder.
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Xandros offers a two-level partner program. Gold partners pay $999 annually and receive MDF of 2 percent of sales and two free technical support sessions. Platinum partners pay $1,299 annually, receive 4 percent MDF and get four free technical support sessions. Both levels require a business plan review and sales and technical training.
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Linspire gets the nod for a smart idea: Giving system builders a piece of the aftermarket application sales to boost their profits.
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FIRST PLACE:
Linspire
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SECOND PLACE:
SLED 10
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THIRD PLACE:
Xandros
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Linspire gets the nod for a smart idea: Giving system builders a piece of the aftermarket application sales to boost their profits.
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FIRST PLACE:
Linspire
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SECOND PLACE:
SLED 10
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THIRD PLACE:
Xandros