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My business career has revolved around disruptive technologies like
MP3, Linux and SIP.
Consequently, I've been accused of "raising hell,"
and that's probably somewhat true. The biggest advancements in life
come through radical change. That change is typically jolting, so
the messenger usually creates a few waves. But who can deny that the
world is better with MP3? Who can deny the world will be a better place
when desktop Linux is in every computer store? I'd like to invite YOU
to join me in "raising some L," but more on that in a second.
First I want to show you some fascinating data about how
desktop Linux is growing around the world. Every month or so, an analyst
puts out research about desktop Linux. Often times, Microsoft is
commissioning the research, so it's a foregone conclusion that the
analyst will conclude that Linux is more expensive and not gaining
market share, which are both ridiculous notions. What's missing from the
reports is hard data. How many OEMs are now offering desktop
Linux machines? (Answer: 350+.) How many stores are now offering Linux
PCs? (Answer: More than a thousand.) It's a shame the analysts don't
examine and publish real data rather than speak in broad sweeping terms
with few facts to bolster their position. But I think Linspire can do a
better job of sharing some of the data that we possess, which
demonstrates the traction that desktop Linux is gaining worldwide.
Today, on a new website we just launched called Lraiser.com, we're publishing some intriguing maps
which show new Linux users sprouting up around the
globe on a daily basis. Each dot represents a new desktop or laptop
computer running
Linspire. The very first time a Linspire computer starts up, CNR (click
and run) checks in with the server to look for updates and security
patches. At that time, we record the IP address (with no personal
data). We can then take these IP addresses and attempt to ascertain the
latitude and longitude. We then overlay this onto a global map. The end
result is a big picture view of where desktop Linux is taking root
around the world. It's not an exact measurement, since it simply
approximates the geographical location, but it does put some real data
to demonstrate where Linux is growing. We've also added a magnification
feature so you can zoom into a particular location for a closer view.
Daily, weekly and monthly charts are now available and eventually we
will add annual charts.
I'm proud of the growth of desktop Linux, but I want it to be faster.
I'd like you to consider helping me raise L. It can be a scary
undertaking to move to Linux, so a helping hand can be just enough to
get someone going. To become an Lraiser, you commit to helping one
person or company buy an affordable desktop Linux computer and
get them set up. Maybe you can help them buy it or defray some of the
cost. Once they take possession, help them get up and running full-time.
Or you can commit to showing off Linspire to a group of 5 people and
passing out LinspireLive! CDs. The group could be a user group, class,
or just some friends. If even a small number become Lraisers, then the
number of desktop Linux users will explode.
Names of Lraisers will be listed on the Lraiser website along with
daily updates of the geographical map showing new Linspire users. Those
Lraisers submitting photos will be noted as a certified Lraiser and
will receive a t-shirt noting their accomplishment. After signing up to
be an Lraiser, post your favorite L pun in our message boards, such as
"Just say to L with viruses!" or "Buy a Linspire computer and get on
the highway to L."
-- Michael
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