any comments info on this one? Shiv Kumar
Linux based BizDesktop emulates Windows to suit users Techtree News Staff Email Print July 27, 2004
Linux is making its presence felt and the Hyderabad-based distribution company ELX (Everyone's Linux), is doing its bit with Linux desktop OS - BizDesktop 4.0.
According to Manojit Majumdar, who heads sales & marketing at ELX India, "With PC users being so accustomed to Windows interface ELX Linux has invested tremendous effort in making the BizDesktop as close as possible to Microsoft's Windows. The results are encouraging: we have managed to create a virtual emulator of sorts that clones most Windows functions perfectly." This is directed at eliminating concerns whether one would be able to adapt to this OS after using Windows.
The desktop comes with Mozilla, OpenOffice, GIMP (Linux's answer to Adobe), project management software and graphical tools. BizDesktop also integrates WINE that enables users to install and run many Windows native applications. A single CD installs the entire OS.
"...BizDesktop can more strongly emulate Windows than Red Hat desktop. For e.g. right click pop-ups, zipping procedures, etc. are all exactly the same in BizDesktop as in Windows. We have also added a launch pad feature that accumulates a users favourite and most frequently accessed application set in one single window. Samba has been configured in such a way, that users can run multiple OS' including Windows on the same client. It will be 8-9 months before any Linux distro can catch up with us", says Majumdar.
30 desktops at the Hyderabad High Court were converted from Microsoft to BizDesktop 4.0. They had tested Red Hat Linux on the desktop front earlier, but continued to use Windows. BizDesktop 4.0 was mapped to match their requirements and the deal was bagged.
NIC was the technology advisor for the Hyderabad High Court deal. With the success of the project, NIC has added ELX on its Linux vendor list, which previously consisted of Red Hat, SuSE and Sun. Gurgaon-based DLF is also in the process of negotiating a deal with ELX.
BizDesktop follows a differential nomenclature to avoid any patent issues. For e.g., instead of 'My Documents', we have 'My Docs'. Similarly, the 'Network Neighborhood' icon has been replaced by 'My Network'. The Control Panel gives exactly the same kind of GUI interface that Windows offers, allowing users to add/delete software/hardware in exactly the same way.
ELX has tied up with LG in Hyderabad for bundling BizDesktop on their desktops and the company has already set up sales and support offices in Hyderabad, Bangalore and Delhi.
BizDesktop 4.0 is available for Rs. 500 (plus taxes). The company has plans to tie-up with courier company GATI to provide a Cash On Delivery (COD) option to users placing orders from remote locations in the country.