In response to Enterprise Linux desktops: So much is ready right now! (originally in our Linux channel, but relevant to the IT world), Gnomie Steve Hoult writes:

While I understand that you have to take the position that Linux is ready
for enterprise desktop use NOW, in reality it isn’t. The reality is that
most SMB networks are run by only a few IT people who are already
overworked. Until ANY OS replacement is a true “drop in” for the system it
replaces it will find little or no traction. For the typical Windows based
network this means integrating with Active directory, group policy and all
the other MS protocols. The same holds for any other Network OS. Can the
Linux desktop box I want to drop in EASILY integrate into the current
infrastructure or do I have to massage each desktop to work? Currently the
answer is I have to massage each box to get ANY functionality and some
things are impossible without third party software.

The next question a Network Admin has to ask themselves is if they replace
their current desktops with Linux boxes what do they gain?

The answer right now is not enough to justify the expense and time needed to
accomplish the move. You can crow about free OS/Office Suite all you want
but the truth is that companies already have an OS/Office Suite on their
desktop so they aren’t gaining anything there. It’s just a sideways move.
Security is mute since all the current desktop OSes have been shown to have
flaws, some large and some small.

In short I just don’t see how Linux is ready to be a corporate desktop
standard UNLESS you’re planning a complete cleansheet network. That’s
something I don’t think many SMBs have time, money or the inclination to
accomplish.