[NTLUG:Discuss] Re: Linux article -- corporate desktop adoption will slowly changethe consumer

[terry]

Alvin Goats wrote:
> I concur that the issue with the desk top is the apps.
> 
> Part of the vendor lock in has to do with engineering and accounting
> tools in the corporate world. First, there is a lack of the proper
> software tools in Linux, and where there are some tools, they lack the
> portability or functionality of their windows counterparts. Consider:
> can DIA import and export Visio? What can do MS-Project, including
> importing and exporting Project files?
> 
> One of the key "we can't move to Linux" issues involves engineering, in
> particular, drafting. The best and most universal CADD is AutoCad. There
> are other CADD programs (I use SolidEdge myself), but there is nothing
> on the same level of capability in the Linux/Unix world. Sure, there are
> some things out there that do a reasonable job, but they lack all of the
> functionality of the Windows based big guys. I have to be able to read
> and write .dwg, .dxf format files, gerber files, IGES files. I need
> elipses and non-linear curve drawing capabilities. Outputing XML is
> nonsense as I have to be able to output file formats that can be loaded
> on CNC mills, drills, presses, lathes, etc. 
> 
> Before I get the onslaught of googled possibilities, let's understand
> that I've done my homework and have tried or have:
> 
> BRL-CAD
> Moonlight
> Blender
> QCadd
> PythonCad
> gcad3d
> 
> The rest typically lack the ability to read or write any of the CADD
> file formats.
> 
> While BRL-CAD has tons of features, it's extremely difficult to use as
> compared to AutoCAD or SolidEdge. That and most people are afraid to
> talk with the US Army, who owns and distributes it (something to do with
> sending signed snail mail forms to get the decryption key, I suppose,
> even though it is free). 
> 
> Most engineering uses modeling programs or math packages. Very few are
> ported, there are some equivalents that suffer lack of features similar
> to the CADD software, but all too many exist only in the Windows world.
> Consequently, I dual boot in order to do everything I need. 
> 
> Accounting has similar issues. Many small and mid sized companies have
> old DOS based Lotus 1-2-3 programs written in house (macro programs in
> the spreadsheets). These programs were supported ONLY in one version of
> 1-2-3 and are unsupported in all other spreadsheet software, even the
> windows versions of Lotus 1-2-3. 
> 
> Accounting also uses PeachTree and similar software packages that MUST
> either be supported, or import/export has to be perfect and seamless.
> Pricing for the packages must be kept at a similar level or the small to
> midsized companies can't afford to make the switch. 
> 
> These are the types of things that prevent adoption on the desk top in
> most companies. The company senior staff would rather have ONE set of
> issues to deal with, i.e. windows or Unix, rather than support
> everything out there. 
> 
> In the manufacturing world, some equipment has proprietary systems (K&S
> wire bonders), use Windows (QuadTek, Heller, BTU) or some form of
> Unix/Linux (RVSI, Mydata, F&K Delvotec). Maintaining all of this
> equipment is a nightmare due to the disparity of software architecture.
> It is actually more preferable to get a piece of equipment that has
> lower functionality/process throughput than to deal with another OS on a
> piece of equipment that is actually better.
> 
> If you want Linux to take over the desktop, you have to get ALL of the
> apps that are needed in the areas that it is lacking or there will not
> be any major changes in the movement. In the olden days, CADD was only
> done on Mainframes, until AutoCAD came along. Now CADD is done on the PC
> and not on mainframes. There is a need to be filled, go fill it and
> watch people migrate to Linux.
> 
> Alvin
> 


Now that's a tall order.  ;)

-- 
but test everything; hold fast what is good,
1 Thessalonians 5:21