[ubuntu-za] [Small Business]

[Barry Wyatt]

Hi all,

My first post - really breaking new ground here. Very ignorant of Linux /
Ubuntu from a programming level.

My main areas are Education & Medical Software.
Have been involved in Microprocessor design and there communication with
Windows PCs.

Some background:
I have been programming on Windows systems for over a decade (Linux ?? 
days!).  Automation of
Office apps, webdesign (intranet), SQL, ASP, VB script, Java script, WSH,
etc. Have tonnes of Windows software (legal copies) that is difficult to
throw away as solutions with the familiar are fast and easy. Been using
CorelDraw since 1983 ?!?

Taking a deep breath and trying to get up and running on Linux / Ubuntu.
Long term goal is to create "boxed" solutions for customers. Tried other
distro's but Ubuntu has "made sense" (Apache, PHP, MYSQL, thin client (for
education), etc).  Everything in Linux is a steep learning curve right now -
and time is limited as I need to satisfy existing Windoze customers (they
want fast solutions). I would presume most small businesses using MS
products are in the same dillema - transfer to Linux is very expensive -
even if the OS and apps are "free" there are plenty of other costs.

Some costs:
 - learning curve, extra 'test' PC, internet download costs.
 - Installing Ubuntu and running OO or email is easy - but I need to program
POP3 email control and SMTP servers, control program flow for automation,
understand the inner workings of network and db security, be able to handle
some low-level programming functions, etc
Time to learn is the biggie.  Local Ubuntu "How To" classes may help - but
in East London?

Some thoughts:
There is plenty of advice on how to run specific Windows games on Linux, but
I want to run my familiar apps on Linux thereby easing the transition to
Ubuntu.  In this way there is minimal disruption to existing systems and new
systems can be built from ground up in Linux; slowly phasing out the old -
and then I don't have PAY for two computers each with a different OS - no,
dual boot is not a satisfactory answer for me.

Windows has virtual PC - does ubuntu have something similar so I can run
windows and associated apps seamlessly (that's crucial) on ubuntu? I am 
currently looking at Wine and will see if it satisfies my requirements.

So why do I want to switch? Basically the same reason I am moving towards
solar and biogas away from Eskom - I am sick of having to pay for lousy
service. It is also an attempt to challenge myself, keep the grey matter
active and jump out of the software rut I have been in since graduation and
experience new vistas (NOT, scuze the pun). Mid-life crisis?

For what it is worth,
Barry

PS
I don't think too many are willing to switch - Ubuntu may more effectively
be promoted among those who have not yet started their small business, i.e.
schools and universities - and 'free' speaks loudly amongst such folks.

Trevor had a good point about pirate software as did Vijay - yep Ubuntu 
needs to be marketed on new PCs. This is a hardware vendor thing I presume.

I agree with Wayne on the POS/ accounting packages (but a some POS I have 
seen are a Linux (Unix?) flavour).

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Morgan Collett" <morgan at ubuntu.com>
> Our theme for April is... Small Business!
>
> If you are a small business owner or IT person (often the same
> person!) or an IT provider servicing small businesses, go ahead and
> introduce yourself on the list, and let us know what your needs are,
> or your experience of Ubuntu use for small business.
>
> When you mail the list, put "[Small Business]" in the subject so
> people can see at a glance you are discussing this.