Tim Griffin

We're all familiar with the disruption and cost of moving. When I'm asked what it takes to motivate an organization to move to desktop Linux, my answer is simple, "Migrating desktops is like moving to a new house. What would it take to get you to move your house or office tomorrow?" Their response always starts with "It depends...". The politics of change encompass two common views: Birds-Eye View of TCO: Governments such as Brazil, Chile, and Germany, along with companies such as IBM take the long view on change. They realize the hidden long-term cost of having their IT infrastructure dependent on a foreign monopoly, and understand that change is essential. The long-term health of their economy takes precedence over short-term costs. We all know people who have moved for their children's future, and in situations like these any short-term costs are rarely importan... (more)