"Linux is rapidly graduating from a small cult to a mainstream religious movement. Its converts are multiplying rapidly, many as self-anointed evangelists preaching the gospel of open-source software that was created by Linus Torvalds of Finland in 1991.
"For the true believers, Linux offers a heaven on Earth with obvious benefits: low cost, stability, a terrific record against viruses and an ability to run on cheaper hardware. And, like all religions, Linux has one big mystery at the core: Why don't more corporate customers switch over...?"
"Repeating what could be the mantra of any Main Street merchant, Robin Lynas, chief information officer of Mark's Work Wearhouse Ltd., says 'My job is to deliver more for less.'
"He says he is accomplishing this goal and cutting costs at cash registers across Canada by turning to a new operating system that is taking the technology world by storm..."
"Linux has always had the advantage of being a bargain-priced operating system, but one major barrier to its widespread acceptance has been a dearth of popular desktop applications--the word processors, spreadsheets and e-mail programs on which the vast majority of personal computer users rely, such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook. Few companies that rely on such programs were willing to make a switch from their Microsoft desktops.
"But that's changing rather quickly.
"Today there are a host of Linux-based programs that mirror Microsoft's productivity suites as well as a program that can even run Microsoft programs on top of the Linux operating system..."
Training Programs Sprout to Fill Technical Skills Gap
"'As more enterprise [Linux] systems start running, you're going to need to have more people who are expert in it,' says Julie Kaufman, an analyst with International Data Corp. (Canada) Ltd. in Toronto who specializes in training.
"Seeking to meet the need for Linux know-how and fuel its continued growth, a few organizations have launched certification programs for Linux skills..."
