"In the interest of improving learning opportunities for students,
DET aims to phase out the myriad different computers used in
schools, along with individual servers."
The report progresses to the statement that "a uniformity of
computers and software would ensure fast, efficient in-house support
services, better product quality and lower maintenance costs for
schools."
Please consider
Reg
I expect this is part of their bureaucratese code for "we're going to
use Microsoft". Uniformity that relies on lock-in to a vendor's
closed standards when that vendor is going to shaft you for licence
fees every year is really not going to lower costs overall.
Imagine the Irish government issuing a document calling for the
uniformity of potatoes, just before the potato blight lead to the
famine. Having a heterogeneous mix means that if some new threat
comes along it doesn't wipe out *all* your systems in one hit.
Having to continually patch everything to stop viruses from spreading
like wildfire isn't going to reduce support costs.
<http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/biztech/02/16/microsoft.monoculture.ap/>
In my experience, uniformity of systems leads to tunnel vision. Being
able to exist in multiple niches allows you some flexibility should
some of those niches disappear due to conditions beyond your control.
Have fun,
Shay
--
=========================== Shay Telfer ================================
Perth, Western Australia Technomancer Join Team Sungroper in the
Opinions for hire [POQ] 2005 World Solar Challenge
[EMAIL PROTECTED] fnord <http://sungroper.asn.au/>
