“Plumbing and electrical goods wholesaler MasterTrade has
completed a 6½-week rollout of 300 PCs running the
open-source Linux operating system….”
“MasterTrade data processing manger Neil Helson, based in
Christchurch, says the existing Microsoft Dos/Windows 3.1 system
was cramping scope for future growth.”
“After trialling Windows 2000, MasterTrade found difficulties
with “middleware”, which communicates between MasterTrade’s central
inventory database in Christchurch, and the PCs in its 50 branches.
“Linux removed all middleware, and all the difficulties that went
with it.”
“Mr Helson says MasterTrade plans to roll out applications which
will smooth out transactions with its larger customers and
suppliers.”
“This was a key area where we needed to open up.
Business-to-business initiatives are being asked of us.”
“Each branch has about five PCs, linked to a server.”