After delays caused by potential patent and licensing issues, several European nations are moving ahead with Linux as a client operating system.
Erwin Gillich, head of Vienna"s IT department, released reports stating that Vienna will have the option to migrate from Windows to Linux in a pilot program set to be reviewed in 2006. The announcement states that 8,000 desktop workstations (half the city"s overall workstations) will have the option to switch under the new pilot program.
Christian Ude, Munich"s mayor, has also announced that the city will move 14,000 notebook and workstations to Linux. Dispite potential patent issues that are as yet unresolved in the European Parliament and the European Council of Ministers, Munich is moving ahead with it"s request of proposals Novell and IBM.
Microsoft"s response to what it sees as a definite threat to it"s hold on government markets has offered favorable deals to other German city governments to intice them not to switch to Linux.