[nzlug] Linux in NZ District Councils?

[Michael Adams]

On Mon, 22 Jan 2007 09:08:30 +1300
Dirk Pilat wrote:

> Thanks for your info.
> 
> WOuld OpenOffice on the (windows) desktop make a dent in those costs?
> 
> Dirk
> 

Even OpenOffice.org has to be introduced carefully. Several things need
to be identified first.

- Power users (writing Macros and using the more esoteric features such
  as bibliography)
- Macro users (existing Macros will not work)
- Help Desk (Who is available to field the "where is feature XYZ that
  i'm used to" ie "File - Page Setup", "View - Headers")
- File storage format, Microsoft Office or ODF
- Training (how to save as .doc and/or .odt)
- Outlook PIM alternative? Who uses it now as none exists in OO.o
- Replacement email programme

Having said that 80% of users are easily converted to OO.o. The other
20% fall into the Power user group or the beligerent headache causing
group. Some (typically under 5%) may legitimately need features not
available in OO.o long term. Others may be using Legacy documents with
Macro's that require ongoing Office use short- medium term.

The last thing you should do is impose a mandatory sweeping change
across the board that has not been well thought out, unless you are
looking for alternative employment.

Read up on novell's migration to open source.
http://www.novell.com/collateral/4621400/4621400.html
This was article one of three from their inhouse magazine re the
migration.
http://support.novell.com/techcenter/articles/nc2004_07d.html
They offer a migration service.
http://www.novell.com/collateral/4613382/4613382.pdf

Before i start looking like a Novell employee this may be useful:
http://wiki.services.openoffice.org/wiki/Major_OpenOffice.org_Deployments

-- 
Michael
 Those that can, do; those that can't, teach.