There are plenty of factors in the Linux vs. Windows
debate.
Both have advantages, according to Murray Roth, vice
president of research and development for Landmark Graphics.
- Linux's biggest advantage: It's the same technology that's
been used on Unix and can actually work in a hybrid environment,
making the transition from Unix to Linux smoother.
- The biggest advantage of Windows is its familiarity.
"People have been using Windows on its business desktop
for years, so the workflows are the same," Roth said. "Both these
systems offer the capability to bring together the business and
technical aspects of a company."
Of course, despite the increasing advantages of PC
technology, there are corporate barriers — and among the most important
is the cost associated with this type of massive shift to a new
system. Most companies are still heavily focused on Unix technology
because the firms have a huge investment in those systems, according
to Jim Sledz, director of exploration information management strategy
with Conoco.
"With the investment in Unix we have to look at this
closely," he said. "When the end users start touting moving to a
PC-based system you have to challenge them. What are you getting
that you can't do on Unix today to justify these costs? Right now
there's not that much. PC systems are faster, but I can get a faster
Unix machine for a lot less than what I have to invest in supporting
a whole new PC system."
Also, the issue of limited memory on PC systems is
critical for oil companies.
"Data volumes are constantly increasing, and everybody
wants to see all that data on their workstation screen at the same
time," he said. "To get these bigger volumes and bigger cubes you
have to use Unix.
Bottom line for him: "There's going to have to be
that leap in memory capability for PC systems before it can make
any real inroads."
Often it's replacement cycles that drive oil companies'
needs, he added.
"If I just bought a new system, then I'm not going
to be interested in changing," he said. "But if my company is at
the point of changing out the corporate system, then I'm going to
be interested in any new systems that can improve my capabilities.
"These are business-based decisions within large
oil companies. You can't suddenly just decide to spend $5 million
to convert to a PC-based system," he continued. "I have to put a
business case forward and compare that with other issues within
the company, so I better have a compelling argument.
"You have to take a hard look at what you're getting
for that investment, and what is the rate of return."