[K12OSN] Making K12LTSP "school friendly"

["Terrell Prudé, Jr."]

Jim Kronebusch wrote:

>>Well, what's everyone (else) waiting for? ;)
>>
>>Should we perhaps 'advertise' this movement on the K12LTSP site or elsewhere
>>(like DesktopLinux.com or *cringe* Slashdot), or is everyone who'd be
>>influencial already on this list?
>>    
>>
>
>If the software companies run their business like I run mine my guess is it is
>all hinging on numbers we don't have yet.  I am sure there are plenty of
>statistics for how many Windows and Mac users there are.  But just like was
>discussed on this list last week there probably isn't as many numbers backing
>up Linux or K12LTSP.  So right now they can calculate how much income would
>could possibly be gained at x amount for software multiplied by %y of
>available users z.  If we could give them an idea of how large a number z is
>maybe they could see a real potential which will drive them down this road. 
>Right now I suppose they know where the road of MS and Mac will lead them. 
>Maybe it is as simple as paving a road with real statistics on systems,
>workstations, in service.  And they may also be shy due to the push for free
>open source software.  The general expectation from most linux users is if the
>os is free, and most software is free, why would I buy any, lets find a free
>version.  I am all for free and open source, but in order for them to want to
>produce software for this market maybe we need to somehow convey a willingness
>to pay for task specific software, without the release of the source (the
>response for saying that will most likely hurt).  Not that I am for that, but
>if I have a company that has made a certain task specific software for x
>amount of years, the thought of having to release all of the code to move to
>another platform would most likely stear me clear and hang out supporting
>platforms where my code can remain anonymous.
>
>I think these are most likely the hurdles we are facing.  And a single person
>or group most likely won't spead as loud as statistics.  Luckily with some big
>compaines taking on Linux and mainstream commercials by comanies such as IBM
>should be starting to get their attention.
>
>  
>

Of course, you could simply move away from titles like Reader Rabbit, 
Oregon Trail, etc.  If these companies care about the lost sales, 
they'll get in line.    Besides, the way I learned to read was by 
reading actual books, and I'm not all that old.  Is reading actual books 
not considered "good" anymore?

--TP
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