IBM has recently introduced a line of computers that use a Microsoft-free system, mostly composed of open-source software and Linux. The system, called Open Collaboration Client, combines Linux and the open-source Lotus Symphony desktop package, designed by IBM, and is supposed to help businesses save money.
Lotus Symphony is composed of word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet applications based on the Open Document Format, with IBM’s Lotus Notes Apps also being available. One great thing about Open Collaboration Client is that the system stores the software both locally and on remote servers, making the entire thing extremely reliable, easy to fix and easy to use.

It seems that there is a general tendency towards open-source software, not putting so much stress on your own machine. The fact that IBM is offering PCs that don’t necessarily need to run on Windows could be a big problem for Microsoft as this means that businesses won’t need to update their machines with the best equipment in order to run Vista, as XP is officially retired. If we add the mini-notebook revolution, cheap, ultra-portable laptops too weak to run Vista, Microsoft might be in for a tough time.

Open Collaboration Client can save businesses up to $800 per user in Windows licenses and an additional $258 per user in hardware components, as upgrades are not necessary. All in all, IBM’s new system can help businesses save approximately $1028 per user, if they chose not to use Windows. Microsoft’s operating systems have their advantages, but a simple, clean and easy to use system is the future for corporate use.