"My decision for Linux is based on three factors", stated Hermann-Josef Pelgrim, Mayor of Schwäbisch Hall, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. "First, I expect a considerable reduction of our IT expenses due to lower software license fees. This will contribute to the consolidation of our municipal budget. Second, based on Linux's excellent grades from the experts on security, our IT structure will become more secure. Third, the choice of open standards ensures interoperability among different technical offerings."

"Schwäbisch Hall's decision reflects the strongly growing acceptance of Linux in enterprises and governments around the world", stated Boris Nalbach, CTO of SuSE Linux AG. "With the lower software licensing fees - as well as the lower administrative costs associated with Linux, the town will be able to provide the most cost effective civil services to its citizens."

Initially, the project includes the migration from Windows and Microsoft Office to the SuSE Linux Enterprise Client and OpenOffice.org for 120 client PCs, which will increase up to 400 client PCs in the final stage. On the server side, SuSE Linux Enterprise Server will be deployed on IBM's eServer xSeries systems.

The overall project is accompanied by an innovative financing package that enables the Municipality to accommodate customised extensions.