Red Hat hears desktop Linux calling:
Cost and security issues with Microsoft’s software, combined with the arrival of the Mozilla Web browser, have triggered Red Hat’s interest in a desktop Linux.
The key to open-source software success on the desktop is to outflank Microsoft, not to clone Microsoft’s Windows and Office, Red Hat CEO Szulik said.
Combining Linux with a GNOME or KDE interface and the open-source Mozilla browser, there’s room to compete by selling inexpensive computers used only for basic tasks, he said.
“Our research and our customers tell us they’re basically using PCs for (Web) surfing or for opening mail attachments–doing very basic, lightweight work.”
Think Thin Clients and Digital Dashboard, not just Linux replacing Windows on the Desktop.
