Johannesburg, 25 Feb 2004
Novell SA MD Stafford Masie says he is negotiating with an outsource partner to provide government with Novell`s Linux stack at $50 a user in a bid to undercut Microsoft`s dominance in government.
Masie made the announcement at the ICT in government conference at the Sandton Convention Centre yesterday.
"Why should government spend R2 000 to R3 000 a user for the desktop and office, when 80% of the users don`t need all the functionality? If the users don`t need the all the functionality of Microsoft`s software, it is much cheaper for them to use an open source solution," he said.
"We are close to signing an outsourcing deal that will offer Novell`s complete Linux stack to government at $50 or R300 to R500 a user. We will also provide all the support if such a partnership is established."
Masie said Linux was the ideal secure option for governments and small to medium enterprises and formed part of Novell`s continuing strategy to reduce the cost of PCs and access to technology.
He drew government`s attention to the roll-out of Linux by the Indian, French, German and Israeli governments. "The state-owned Indian Bank saved 30% on licensing fees alone," he said.
Masie said Novell is close to signing an agreement to provide its Linux stack free to schools and in doing so will match Microsoft`s agreement with government to provide free software to all state-run schools.
He said that through Novell`s acquisition of Ximian, it now has the expertise to provide a comprehensive Linux solution.
"It is our aim to create a Linux community in SA. We now have the technical skills, the ability to provide training, support, consulting and a vendor black economic empowerment strategy which we believe addresses the issues of concern raised about Linux in the local market."