Desktop Linux proves its mettle in emerging markets

August 26, 2008 (Tuesday) | Linux

While I'm not much of a desktop Linux cheerleader, I found this news that the Philippines has rolled out 23,000 Linux desktops to schools very interesting, particularly when read in conjunction with commentary from Malaysia. The net? Microsoft is heavily subsidizing Windows and Office to keep Linux out, but Linux is proving cheaper ("Microsoft matched the price by offering Windows XP for $US20 a copy and throwing in Office for $US30, but we still came out cheaper") and at least as easy as Windows to use. In fact, the cost savings from Linux have been so substantial that the Philippines is rolling out its Linux desktop program beyond the 30,000 existing seats, and was even able to purchase an additional 3,000 seats for government use. The rationale is clear: ...