Suse plans to release a version of Linux for desktop computers in January 2003 that lets users runs Microsoft Office applications. Targeting small and midsize companies, Suse Linux Office Desktop will let Windows users migrate to the Linux operating system and continue to use the popular suite of business applications.
It's based on Suse Linux 8.1 but adds tools that let you migrate from Windows operating systems and applications. During the installation, Suse's system assistant YaST2 (Yet another Setup Tool) automatically detects existing Windows 95/98/ME installations and submits a proposal for the rearrangement of existing hardware space and the Linux software to be installed. The software uses the partitioning tool Acronis OS Selector to make sure migration occurs smoothly, even with a preinstalled Windows XP/2000.
Suse says the software includes all the tools necessary for office client machines in small and midsize networks. You can choose to keep using Microsoft Office applications (an integrated version of Codeweaver CrossOver Office 1.2 lets you use well-known applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio 2000 on the Suse desktop), or use Sun's StarOffice 6.0 (which is packaged with Suse Linux Office Desktop and offers text processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications in Linux).
In addition, you can use IBM Lotus Notes from the Linux client -- a first, according to Suse.
You can choose between the two main Linux GUIs: KDE 3.0.3 and GNOME 2.0.
Suse Linux Office Desktop's recommended retail price for one workstation is US$129, which includes documentation and 90 days of installation support.
Another company that lets you run (some) Windows and Office applications on Linux is Lindows.com. For the latest news on Lindows.com, see http://Advisor.com/doc/11135.
More desktop Linux on the way
The announcement is part of a larger "Linux on the desktop" campaign. In another announcement, Suse says it will offer the Suse Linux Enterprise Desktop in the first quarter of 2003. The software will focus on easy administration and will be optimized for desktop deployment in large enterprises, public administrations, and companies with multiple locations.
The Suse Linux distribution is popular in Europe, especially Germany, where the company is based.