Linux
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Client under Linux

	Client under Linux

	abas Business Software users now have a Front End alternative.

	Linux is becoming more and more popular in the business world and in the public sector. Companies are under increasing pressure to cut back costs and Linux is the cost-effective alternative to Microsoft products. Already a major success at the server end among abas Business Software users, Linux can now be chosen in the Front End area too. ABAS users can now opt for a complete user environment running under Linux.

	"ABAS - the Linux Pioneer"

	Back in 1995, ABAS, the specialist in the area of ERP, MRP and eBusiness software for small to medium sized companies in the production, commercial and services sectors, began providing the user with the option of using Linux at the server end, as an alternative to Microsoft Windows and other operating systems. When one considers that 80% of all complete installations are running on Linux, there is no doubt that the operating system has made its home among the ABAS users. Reasons for this are the excellent record of stability and performance of abas business software under Linux, the low operating system costs and the constant enhancements of the systems.

	Complete workplace solution under Linux

	ABAS, the software firm based in Karlsruhe, now offers its solution in the Front End area under Linux. ABAS users can choose. Besides Windows, which is presently used as the operating system to run the graphical user interface (GUI) of the abas Business Software, a Linux version can now be used as well.
	Open Office with Open Office Calc, Open Office Writer, Open Office Impress or Netscape (browser, eMail) or StarOffice applications are enjoying increasing popularity as an alternative to Microsoft products. Switching on the user side is quickly carried out. If applications are used in a company which can only be run on a Windows client, (e.g. CAD, shop floor data collection etc.), the solution will be to mix the operating systems. Each individual company decides how many PCs should run under the Redmond operating system and how many should be equipped with Linux. Common Microsoft file formats can be opened in Open Office or StarOffice.

	Performance, stability and low costs

	As has already been the experience on the server side, Linux is also surpassing itself at the client end, by providing excellent performance and stability. The costs incurred for the operating system are minimal.

	License cost comparison Linux / Microsoft

	A simple, front end comparison highlights the Linux versus Microsoft cost advantage. It is important to note that linux can be used on any number of PCs within a company. A Windows 2000/XP license, on the other hand, must be bought for each PC. It costs 25,800 EUR for the Microsoft Windows 2000/XP operating sytem and MS Office. The Linux Front End license with Open Office amounts to 195 EUR. The situation after five years looks like this - a company with 20 PCs using linux benefits from a cost advantage of approx. 25,605 EUR. If linux is deployed with StarOffice applications, the costs incurred are 3,195 EUR.

	Costs per PC, calculated for a 5-year period (in EUR)



	New investment for 20 workstations spread over 5 years (in EUR)







	* Linux can be used for any number of PCs