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Another German state plans switch back from Linux to Windows
The German state of Lower Saxony plans to follow Munich's example, and migrate a reported 13,000 users from Linux back to Windows.
Apparently undaunted by the cost of the Munich switch (which we reported in January could be as much as €100m), Lower Saxony is considering making the change in its tax office. The state seems to expect a much cheaper transition, with Heise (in German here) reporting the first-year budget is €5.9m, and another €7m further out.
The tax office argues its decision is driven by compatibility: field workers and teleworkers overwhelmingly use Windows, while the OpenSUSE variants are installed on its office workstations. The office workstations are also ageing and due for replacement, something that helped open the door for Windows.
Related: Linux Champion Munich Takes Decisive Step Towards Returning to Windows
Munich Switching From Linux to Windows 10
German Documentary on Relations Between Microsoft and Public Administration Now Available in English
(Score: 2) by bzipitidoo on Sunday July 29 2018, @08:10AM (2 children)
Ah, sorry, meant the ggp-- the AC post with "get shit done" in it.
(Score: 2) by AthanasiusKircher on Sunday July 29 2018, @05:34PM (1 child)
No prob. I was just confused because I really didn't read the GGP post you were referring to as particularly pro-MS. It was just an analysis of why MS is dominant, not saying it was better. (My take anyway.)
(Score: 2) by bzipitidoo on Monday July 30 2018, @12:25AM
Yes, it's a very cunning bit of propaganda that on the surface and with a quick read doesn't seem all that pro-M$. Take a closer look though.
This one is a gem: "Could they use a open source version of it like calc? Sure. Right up until it does not work with their spreadsheet, or becomes a pain in the ass to use. Then it is 'screw this' give me excel." Nice implication there that calc has problems that are so severe it can't be fixed or worked with but must be abandoned-- it's a great example of M$ FUD-- while Excel just works and is easy to use, and doesn't have plenty of problems of its own.
And then there is this one: "Free does not cut it. Better does". Free and better can't possibly apply to the same thing? They're subtly playing the readers, suckering them into feeling that "you get what you pay for" is true.
Note also that despite being an AC, it was modded up to a 4. I certainly would expect shills to have sock puppet accounts handy for some fake modding.
Oh, and you doubt that shills would try astroturfing on SoylentNews? That the community here is too knowledgeable to be fooled? They're not gunning for the members, though if any regulars fall for it, they won't feel like that's a waste. They're really trying to sway less knowledgeable, less tech oriented people, either those who visit occasionally and never post but just lurk, or those who might stumble upon this discussion, perhaps through a search.