Myth 2: Linux Lacks Business-Class Finance/Accounting Tools
It's a safe bet that quite a few small and even midsize businesses write off desktop Linux because they don't see a cost-effective way to quit using QuickBooks.
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First, it's worth noting that you don't have to quit using QuickBooks to start using Linux: not every user in a business is using accounting software, so for most our your desktop users, it's a nonissue. And for accounting department that does use QuickBooks, mixing networked Windows and Linux systems isn't a problem these days (see Myth 1).
Depending on how much time a user spends working with products like Quicken, QuickBooks, or Microsoft Money, a commercially supported Windows emulation tool like Crossover Office also might be an effective alternative. (see Myth 5 for more about this option.) And while dual-boot Windows-Linux systems are rarely an ideal solution -- they generally add more complexity and waste more time than they are worth -- they might provide a good alternative in some situations.
But the real problem here isn't a lack of Linux-based finance and accounting tools; it's a lack of awareness that those tools exist. As I pointed out in December, 2008, there are actually a number of quality accounting apps for Linux systems, including proprietary products that provide the same support and vendor accountability you'll find with any Windows-based proprietary product. Many of these tools can import and work with Quicken or Microsoft accounting-file formats; while some are ideal for smaller-business users, others are ideal for much larger companies seeking database-driven, client-server financial management solutions.
Go To Step-By-Step: Migrating Your Desktop From Windows To Linux
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