We do have Mac's here, around 30%. We have some Linux desktops as well. We even have at least one Mac with Linux loaded. Currently our Mac's run Comet to telnet into our system. The GUI our vendor expects us to use is Wintegrate based. It is absolutely terrible for heads down data entry and it does not work on Mac's. The interface that H & R Block has uses standard heads down keystrokes, handles type-ahead well, while enjoying the benefits of a GUI. The contrast to our GUI is, well... I'm jealous.
At 10:35 PM 4/19/2004, you wrote:
Anyone up for a little "straw poll" ?
A recurrent theme that I see played out in this & related forums is the "well, does it run on MAC or Linux on the Desktop" question. Often, when asked, the people that raised the issue don't have either platform in their installation - it is merely a standard question that they feel compelled to ask ?!?
Maybe it is just me - I don't live in the "big smoke" - but (to date) I simply haven't seen any significant demand for workstation support (GUI or CUI) outside of windows.
SO, I think to myself, I wonder what the REAL numbers are - I mean theory is one thing, but how do the numbers stack up in the real world? How many people are there that actually do use, or WANT to use (I'm talking management want here, not the "gee, if I had my way" kind of thing) non-windows platforms on the desktop ?.
I'm happy to kick it off. Of the (application) systems that we have installed over the years, discounting green screens, we have deployed to probably around 1,500 "workstation" devices --> all Windows (even back as far as 3.11)
I've had the "Mac" option raised twice - I remember each one clearly ! Once at a printers (who are 'big' MAC users traditionally) for 3 devices, and once at a distribution company where the owner had a MAC at home he wanted to use remotely .... that's it - potential market 4 out of around 1,500.
Any other takers ? I need to point out that I'm not LOOKING for exceptions, merely the "state of the desktop", so if you only have Wintel desktops, please step up & be counted - and if there is a vast ocean of "hidden" MAC and Linux desktops out there, please identify yourself ........
Ross Ferris Stamina Software Visage an Evolution in Software Development
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Jon Wells
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Information Services & Resources Beloit, Wisconsin
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