Welcome to another edition of Crystal Ball Sunday! This week my predictions center around system builders and integrators and their use of Linux to lower costs, standardize hardware offerings, and provide a new systems to buyers that are ready to go to work.
Acer has already discussed Linux being the key to the low-cost laptop market. Most major laptop system builders realize that Linux is the key to maximizing usability while minimizing costs. Laptop computer have a short life and buyers just aren't willing to pay huge dollars for them. They are basically seen as throw-away units with a projected life expectancy of 2 to 3 years. The use of Linux will likely extend the life expectancy of hardware that lasts beyond the 3 year mark since its hardware requirements are far less than that of Windows.
The low-cost laptop and low-cost desktop system market is very competitive and builders and integrators are looking to put inexpensive systems into the hands of buyers with as much functionality and as little hassle as possible. Linux is the key to their success.
If builders and integrators pre-install Linux on systems, most of the user-related complaints disappear completely. Users enjoy 100% functionality as soon as they power on the system. Wireless networking, wired networking, video, sound, and a well-designed and intuitive interface with hundreds of free productivity programs await buyers who take the Linux option plunge.
Not only will Linux be an option for buyers but it will be the default option while Windows will be a pricey add-on. And don't forget Microsoft Office to bring the price up even more.
Linux, you may have found your newest niche: An operating system for a stressed economy.