Linux mobile devices open new market for Australian resellers

A new IDC report predicts that over the long term and certainly in next-generation devices, Linux will be a player and it won't have to capture market share from incumbents to be successful. These Linux-based products can create a new market for Australian resellers.

According to research firm IDC, the Linux market continues to behave like a relatively young, highly dynamic industry and continues to reinvent itself as customer adoption activities become more mainstream and widespread.

“Linux cannot be underestimated in terms of overall market impact going forward," said Melissa Martin, senior market analyst, enterprise end-user programmes at IDC.

According to Martin most Australian are SMBs willing to try Linux, are at the stage where they are just considering a decision of piloting with no firm intention to deploy it.

“Conversely, IDC sees increasing support of Linux by all the major software vendors for their applications. This will provide the end user with greater education about the benefits of Linux and increased opportunities for Linux adoption," said Martin.

Australian resellers can cash in on this Linux push, said Con Zymaris managing director of Melbourne-based Linux and Open Source Solutions provider, Cybersource.

“A large number of vendors like Intel have made a concerted push out mobile devices with Linux-based software. In Australia we already have the Eee PC and various vendors have claimed they have similar product waiting to come out,” he said.

According to Zymaris other large players like Nokia have also come out with tablet devices with Linux-based software. What this means for resellers is they can easily sell Linux-based products to their customers.

“These highly functional Linux-based mobile devices are being brought out by big name vendors, creating a new market segment for resellers. With products like the Eee PC which go out to the mass market, resellers can advice their businesses customers on how to utilise the consumer product in a work environment,” he said.

According to Zymaris, the key advantage to the Eee PC is their light weight portability.

“In the past business people would have to carry heavy laptops or try and access a Web browser from a mobile product with a tiny keyboard. Now a reseller can install a broadband wireless device from any telecommunications service provider, so the end-user can access their email and every other Web based product from a form factor device,” said Zymaris.

“The combination of a small form factor reduces the barrier for an organisation to provide a workable mobile device for their users. The wireless Internet connection of such a product would also be more effective then Wi-Fi”.

These Linux-based devices shift the market away from traditional Windows based PC and notebook products, said Zymaris.
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