The delay of the release of Windows Vista has allowed competitors to enter the market and has solution providers questioning whether they can deliver a comparable product.  Computer business Novell is working hard to seize the desktop operating system market with its release of SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10, an operating system trying to edge out Microsoft’s product by beating it in cost, manageability and features offered.

Solution providers and other experts are still asking whether the channel is ready for a Linux desktop to replace Windows, or better yet whether the Linux system itself is ready to enter the channel.  SUSE is set to be available by mid-July, 2007 whereas Vista will be released in January.

System builders and solution providers are already cautioning users about the new SUSE Linux, despite raving about its inexpensive $50 price tag, which comes in at $450 less than Windows XP with Office.  Many do not believe that there will be a grand migration from Microsoft to Linux, at least not immediately.

According to solution providers, SUSE has the feature set, compatibility and flexibility to fulfill the needs of a majority of corporate desktop users.  Solution providers feel they can count on Linux to fill the gaps previously filled only by Microsoft products.  However, there will be challenges.  Channel partners will need to train employees and customers on Linux, and there is a chance that applications may not exist in Linux that can truly meet line-of-business needs.  Simply put, there will be a significant learning curve to deal with before Linux reigns, and many will have a hard time giving up their friend Microsoft.  However, as son as Microsoft stops supporting XP, this could all change.      

Those looking to find out a feature-by-feature analysis of the new SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 as reviewed by solution providers can reference the linked article, which analyzes the operating system by categories such as ease of installation, basic feature set, user experience, administrator experience, network, security, add-ons and third-party applications and others.

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