__/ [ Mark Kent ] on Monday 02 October 2006 06:41 \__
> begin oe_protect.scr
> [H]omer <spam@xxxxxxx> espoused:
>> B Gruff wrote:
>>> "Tesco is to launch a range of budget own-brand PC software, in a move
>>> that will pitch the grocery giant against the likes of Microsoft and
>>> Symantec"
>>>
>>> "Tesco said it would offer six packages, including office software,
>>> security systems and a photo editing tool"
>>>
>>> "Britain's biggest retailer said each title would cost less than £20,
>>> challenging what it described as the current "high" price of PC software"
>>>
>>> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5396488.stm
>>
>> Good for them.
>>
>> If they're serious about undercutting the competition, maybe they should
>> consider selling OpenOffice.org at £1 a disc, which is probably better
>> (and cheaper) than Ability Office.
>>
>> Maybe we're not too far away from seeing Linux distros in UK
>> supermarkets. Now *that* would be an interesting development.
I had to read that BBC article twice because, initially, judging by the
excerpt, it seemed likely that Tesco offered an alternative -- Linux. Why
would anyone want to sell anything less capable than OpenOffice? There is no
restriction that prevents them from putting the 20 pounds price tag on an
OpenOffice CD. You can also contain versions for various platforms on a
single CD. And what about NeoOffice...?
> Tesco certainly has the financial might in the UK to take on MS, and has
> a logistics capability which is comprehensive, although it does suffer
> serious "shrink". I'm in two minds about this, although I imagine that
> if Tesco go this road, then Asda/WalMart will likely start pushing linux
> PCs again. Not sure about Sainsbury, although they do seem to be trying
> to get back to their original position as a "quality" grocer, whereas
> Tesco were always more budget. Personally, I get my food as an organic
> veg-box on Saturday and from Ocado on Monday. Ocado cost a little more,
> but they always deliver, the quality is good and their website is
> superb.
There have recently been several initiatives that push a Windows-friendly
Linux distribution into the 'mass market'. Here is one example.
Linux Distributor Interactive Ideas To Deliver Xandros' End-to-End Windows
Alternatives To UK
,----[ Quote ]
| "I see a bright future for Xandros in the UK. We have seen a steady growth
| in the UK market for Linux servers, and with the approach of Windows Vista,
| both users and resellers are beginning to understand the tremendous value
| and opportunity that the Linux desktop presents as well, so the timing
| couldn't be better," said Mike Trup, Interactive Ideas Managing Director.
| "While everyone is sold on Linux stability and security, a principal
| deterrent to its widespread adoption has been the perceived difficulty of
| installation and use. Even cursory hands-on experience with Xandros
| desktops and servers completely changes that perception, and when you
| factor in their outstanding Windows compatibility, it is readily
| apparent that Xandros provides the easiest transition to Linux to date.
`----
http://br.sys-con.com/read/272819.htm
|
|
