Even though I've been using Linux for a number of years, I have a Linux server at home and an Apple Powerbook, I still seem to end up pushing Windows at work. Given that I'm in a position to steer companies in the direction of more stable and politically correct systems, why do I end up recommending Microsoft all the time?

A lot of it comes down to the dominant position that Microsoft holds in the market for business software. All too often when we were looking for a new finance system, or a new (whatever) system, we would be told that it was completely integrated with Outlook and made full use of IIS, ASP and Active Directory. "So what", we would ask, "will it do with our Novell Groupwise, Netware and Domino webserver?" Not a lot, was generally the reply. If we were lucky, it would still be able to send email and wouldn't crash the minute it set eyes on the network. And that, you see, is why we're migrating this particular system to Exchange and Active Directory. It's not that we believe the Microsoft environment is any way better, it's just that we don't seem to have much choice.

Even in those cases where we have the option, it's hard to find the resources to implement an open source solution. Right now, I'm going to go and recommend an open source solution for certain components of a bid that's probably worth half a billion. I think it'll be bounced right back, because we don't have the people who could implement it. And, more to the point (because we don't have the resources to implement a Windows bid, right this minute, but we know where to get them) we don't even know of anyone who would be capable of supporting a Linux-based bid. Who would we go to? Let's say we have to install and support 20,000 Linux desktops and 500 servers in six months time. Is there even anyone with that experience? Let alone someone who can subcontract to us.

When it comes down to it, this is outside the comfort zone of too many people. They know a Windows solution works (most of the time). They don't even notice the quirks and the network problems any more. They curse and swear at Windows and Office when it fails, but trying something different is too much hassle, even if the potential benefit is worth it. Human nature, I guess.

Installing Kwiki has produced some interesting weirdness. Mostly around trying to get it to keep the admin function on a system (Pair) which only allows me to secure directories and not individual cgi files. I've resorted to symbolic links a lot.