Chris wrote:
> ...
> Is there any way I could convince these people to make the move to
> OpenBSD? Suggestions, tips and tricks along with real life examples
> would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Be seen using it
...and let them think they figured out on their own that you are. If
you have to bring attention, do it on the side. e.g. at the end of a
presentation (where the content was received positively) mention the
name of the OS, DE and application in as few words as possible and then
steer immediately back to the topic of the post-presentation discussion.
Let people use it.
Show them how to make customizations. Set up workstations or desktops
that people can try. There should be someone willing to help you draft
a proof of concept prototype. As you point out, familiarity (or the
perception of familiarity) is a problem. And if they don't use it, they
can't become familiar.
Familiarity is one of the non-technical factors you must keep in mind.
The damage from marketing is another. OpenBSD has several competing or
complimentary systems and one opponent. But also realize that, despite
what that one opponent calls itself or what ever it may file with the
SEC, you are going up against an interest which operates as if it were a
rather nasty political or religious movement. The word they use
in-house for their action is 'jihad' see the PDF linked to from the
Groklaw post.
http://www.groklaw.net/article.php?story=20071023002351958
(Note: that the above site is blocked in a number of countries and you
may need a proxy to get at it.)
Regards,
-Lars
