Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 17:20:19 +0200
From: Michaela Finnie <mfinnie@suse.de>
To: lwn@lwn.net
Subject: "Linux Steps Up: 23% Expected To Switch Over"


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Linux Steps Up: 23% Expected To Switch Over
 
TNS EMNID survey in Germany: one out of four computer owners intends to
install Linux operating system at workplace or at home
 
CeBIT HANOVER, GERMANY, March 27, 2001 -  According to a recent TNS
EMNID survey, 56 percent of the interviewed PC users have heard of Linux
and ten percent already use the alternative operating system at home or
at work. This statistic indicates that, in terms of distribution, Linux is
second to Windows. Furthermore, 23 percent of the computer users
consider switching to Linux when upgrading their equipment. This
information was obtained from a survey recently conducted by the market
research institute TNS EMNID, Bielefeld/Germany.
 
Stability is a main factor for computer users when deciding to switch to
another operating system. 46 percent of the Linux users consider the
stability of Linux to be an outstanding asset, in contrast to only 13
percent of the Windows users who regard Windows as stable. The
interviewees mentioned security and a good price-performance ratio as
additional advantages of Linux. Moreover, even Windows users recognize
the advantages of Linux and associate the factor of "stability" with Linux
rather than with Windows.
 
"The results of the survey indicate that the reasons for not switching
to Linux are the lack of experience on the part of the users and the
limited range of application programs. Due to its wide distribution,
Windows still leads in this area," said Wolfgang Best, Director
Telecommunication & IT, TNS EMNID. "Linux has the potential for the
expansion of its market position. However, product advantages should be
stressed even more by the communication measures, thereby enabling more
users to ascertain them as an alternative for PC workstations."
 
On behalf of SuSE Linux AG, telecommunication and IT market researchers
of TNS EMNID interviewed 5,000 individuals, ages 14 and up, regarding the
level of awareness and interest in the Linux operating system compared to
Windows. The survey was realized from February 23 to March 9, 2001.

*** About SuSE Linux AG

SuSE Linux AG, Nuremberg/Germany, is one of the world's leading
providers of complete solutions based on the Open Source operating
system Linux. In addition to operating systems and application
software for private customers, SuSE Linux AG offers software
solutions and complete systems for the deployment of Linux in
companies. SuSE supports its enterprise customers with a comprehensive
range of qualified consulting, training, and support services. The
company, which hosts the world's largest development team for Open
Source solutions, has made its unique project and support know-how
accessible via the Internet in the largest existing Linux knowledge
database. 

Currently SuSE Linux AG has about 500 employees. The company runs
subsidiaries in six countries. Roland Dyroff (CEO) is Chairman of
the Executive Board, Dirk Hohndel (CTO) is the Executive Board Member
responsible for the Technology Division, and Johannes Nussbickel (CFO) is
in charge of the Finance Division.
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PRESS CONTACT

Michaela Finnie
International PR
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SuSE GmbH                 	Tel: +49 911 74053-196
Schanzaeckerstr. 10       	Fax: +49 911 74053-575
D-90443 Nuremberg         	e-mail: mfinnie@suse.de
Germany                  	Web: http://www.suse.de/en/
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