LiMux version 4 is the current release and is based on Kubuntu 10.04 LTS so uses the KDE 3.5 desktop by default. The upcoming release of LiMux 5 will be based on Kubuntu 12.04 LTS and will use KDE 4.
The entire migration process was announced as ‘complete’ in 2013.
€10,000,000 Saved and Counting
So how much did the City of Munich save by ditching Windows for FOSS-friendly software? Based on reports given to the media the project has saved
at least €10 million over the duration of the migration.
This number reportedly includes both the cost of hiring of
external companies to assist, manage and implement workarounds, plus the
internal cost of investing in training, management and support.
Despite there still being a cost (no, it’s not as simple as popping a LiveCD into the tray of each PC and hoping for the best) the saving is still evident:
- Switching to open-source: €23 million
- Upgrading to/licensing Windows 7 & Microsoft Office: €34 million (estimated)
These figures also don’t take into account the long term savings to be had from not being tied to a specific manufacturer or support team. The flexibility, dependability and stability of open-source software means further savings are almost guaranteed.
Peter Hofmann, project manager for the City of Munich, told Canonical of the switch:
“By combining the low costs and freedom of open source software with ongoing support for the hardware and applications we need, it was one of the critical elements to the success of this project. Most important was the backing of our politicians throughout the project.”
The City of Munich has been at the forefront of pushing adoption of open-source solutions. Last year it began distributing
free Ubuntu 12.04 LTS CDs to residents in lieu of the (then) impending Windows XP end of life.
SOURCE:
INSIGHTS
limuxmunich
