Kubuntu for business

[Guest]

Hi there,
I've been tasked with setting up a small business (~55 staff) with linux.
I've chosen Ubuntu server for the servers and Kubuntu for the user's desktops.

However, I now need to find the following:

• Payroll / finance software (manage purchases)
• CAD software

Does anyone have experience with good open source products for the above? They will preferably have a support vendor which could be called should the need arise. We're based in New Zealand, we'd prefer the support to be local.

We're also looking at what hardware would be best for this, so far i'm leaning towards Dell as they're the cheapest. I'd appreciate your thoughts on this.

Any help or thoughts is greatly appreciated,
Cheers,
Serrix

[Fintan]

Re: Kubuntu for business

Welcome to the party

For erp:
http://www.openbravo.com/

there is a how-to for that here:
http://kubuntuforums.net/forums/inde...opic=3092944.0

For CAD:
http://www.tech-edv.co.at/lunix/CADlinks.html

I hope this points you in the right direction

[kjjjjshab]

Re: Kubuntu for business

...However, I now need to find the following:

• CAD software

SagCAD and QCad are definitely no replacement for AutoCAD or Microstation for professionals... I had done some research on this myself and found http://www.bricscad.com/en_INTL/ to look the most promising, but then my immediate need was postponed and I never did install the demo... but I still think it is worth a look.

Eep. I just noticed you said, "open source". I don't think bricscad is open source.

[Guest]

Re: Kubuntu for business

Thanks guys... i'm doing some research into this...

I can possibly get away with having the 2-3 CAD machines with windows if I can get reliable support for all the other products.

I'll let you know when i'm further along and have more questions.

[kjjjjshab]

Re: Kubuntu for business

One other quick suggestion... if in New Zealand you have what we call "Technical Colleges" (here in the US), you might want to contact one the them and see what software the students are using... I think that in a regular 4 year university engineering/architectural degree program you would still see everyone using AutoCAD (since they usually require specialized add-on modules), but a 2 year tech degree might be taught with a free/open source software since the general drafting skills are taught that can be applied to multiple software.

Good luck.