FSF Urges Businesses To Drop Windows 7 For Linux

The Free Software Foundation has been very vocal in their criticisms of Windows 7 as the official launch date approaches. Charging that Microsoft threatens user security and privacy, blocks the adoption of free standards, and acts as a monopoly, the FSF is urging businesses to forgo Win 7 in favor of free operating systems. However, the business sector has the same objections and faces the same challenges as individuals when faced with this argument. Which Linux distribution is the best for me or my business? Will my documents and data still be easily accessible? Are the applications I need included or available? Will it work with our existing hardware? There’s also the expense of training employees and finding people who can troubleshoot problems. These issues aren’t unique to Linux, of course. If a small business owner wanted to switch from PC to Mac, she would have the same concerns. In that scenario she’d also have to consider the cost of new hardware, whereas switching to Linux will save money and likely extend the life of existing systems. Whether it’s worth the time and energy to make it work is another story. Consulting firm Novacoast specializes in helping businesses cut costs and save money, and one of their particular specialties involves converting businesses from Windows to Linux. The firm made the move to Linux five years ago, not only for the financial savings, but also for the increased security. Fewer systems run on Linux, thus it attracts fewer hackers and targeted malware. As with all operating systems, there are benefits and drawbacks to consider beyond the basics. One big consideration is archived data. “You need compatibility within your ecosystem, as well as your past,” said Roger Kay, president of Endpoint Technologies Associates. “That creates tremendous inertia, holding the incumbent [Windows] in place. Younger and smaller businesses would benefit from adopting Linux.” But the FSF isn’t restricting its message to small businesses. They’ve sent a letter to 499 of the Fortune 500 companies outlining the dangers inherent in Windows 7 and Microsoft’s approach to security and functionality. They also encourage supporters to write to local and national governments, urging them to adopt open document formats, for example. The Free Software Foundation may be a bit zealous in their approach and unyielding in their ideals, but the message is sound. And with companies like Novacoast willing to guide businesses through the process, making the switch can net businesses more savings and security. Read our feature The Linux Debate for a profile of Novacoast and the benefits and drawbacks of Linux for business.