Bristol Wireless Wiki - Is Linux For My Organisation

Bristol Wireless specialise in the deployment of Linux on the desktop or server.

Consultancy

Bristol Wireless have in-house technicians who provide:

Site surveys
Evaluations
Comprehensive reporting and analysis

We can inform you which sorts of migrations are practical and cost-effective.

Design and implementation

We can provide solutions including:

Tailored, affordable support packages and training;
Fully managed IT systems specifically designed for your organisation;
No vendor tie-in;
Remote administration, reducing support costs, response time and mileage;
Consultation with experienced technicians.

Training

We have over three years experience of providing training in Linux software and can train on site so your staff don't have to travel.

We offer targeted training for Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Support

We have trained support staff on helplines 9am-5:30pm, Monday to Friday (public holidays excepted).

We have staff available within the Bristol area to offer on-site support or we will partner with other Debian consultants to ensure your systems are fully supported.

Technical detail

The process of moving from one operating system (e.g. Microsoft Windows or Mac OSX) to another (e.g. Linux) is known as migration. Bristol Wireless can now help you to migrate your systems.

Integrate, migrate and update:

Low energy, low cost, low maintenance and reliable IT systems;
Tailor-made software built on Linux;
Wireless and wired networking;
Inexpensive web-based phone calls (VoIP telephony);
Server and desktop architecture;
Database design/migration;
ADSL connectivity;
Failover wireless connections;
Managed servers;
Offsite backup and disaster recovery;
Web and mail hosting;
A range of LTSP (thin client) options.

Why we recommend Linux and other Free and Open Source Software (FOSS)

FOSS is easily adaptable and can be modified to suit your needs.
FOSS applications are freely available to copy, adapt and share with no licensing costs.
FOSS runs on PCs, Macs, supercomputers, PDA's and mobile phones.
Improved security; fewer vulnerabilities; fewer viruses, Trojans, worms; no spyware or malware.
Integrated accessibility software.
Linux can reduce power requirements. Installation will result in significant energy savings and increased productivity.
Many companies offer Linux support (e.g. IBM, HP, Sun Microsystems and Cisco).

Quotes

According to the Government, OSS is "viable and credible for infrastructure and for meeting the requirements of the majority of desktop users". The Government recommends that public sector bodies should "examine carefully the technical and business case" for OSS implementation. (October 2004 http://www.govtalk.gov.uk/documents/oss_policy_version2.pdf)

An European Commission report on OSS published in January 2007 estimates that the number of existing open source programs already available would have cost firms £8 billion to produce. The report estimates that the available programs represent the equivalent of 131,000 programmer years. (January 2007 http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/ict/policy/doc/2006-11-20-flossimpact.pdf)

IBM comment: Linux is known for providing excellent uptime, optimal security and a resistance to attacks that often allows it to run without interruption for as long as the hardware is working (accessed March 2007 IBM http://www-1.ibm.com/linux/va_4071.shtml)