Sherwin-Williams is deploying IBM PCs running the Turbolinux
operating system to replace SCO Unix-equipped systems throughout
its 2,500 stores across North America.
In an announcement last week, the paint manufacturer and retailer
said it is moving to Linux and IBM to upgrade its point-of-sale and
in-store operations, while minimising its transition costs from
established Unix systems.
Under the multimillion-dollar deal, IBM will install about 9,700 of
its M41 NetVista desktops, along with monitors, printers, cash
drawers and related products, in Sherwin-Williams' stores, said
Peter Neilsen, a Linux executive at IBM Global Services.
The Turbolinux-equipped systems will run all store functions,
including customer transactions, inventory and software
applications used for paint mixing and tinting. One PC will be
configured as an in-store server at each location.
Bill Thompson, director of IT at Sherwin-Williams' Paint Stores
Group, said that the new systems will allow an easy transition from
The Santa Cruz Operation's (SCO) Unix systems.
Blake Stowell, a Caldera spokesman, said the company is
disappointed about losing Sherwin-Williams' Unix business. However,
he said the paint company remains a customer and "hasn't closed the
door on Caldera".
Sherwin-Williams and Caldera are engaged in talks about using
Caldera's Volution management application within the new systems
being deployed, he said.
Sherwin-Williams' IT staff designed and developed the systems and
has ported the company's proprietary applications to Linux from
Unix. The company's IT staff will work with 500 to 1,000 IBM Global
Services employees who will assist in the deployment, which will
begin in July and be completed in the second quarter of 2003.
Jonathan Eunice, an analyst at Illuminata, said the deal is
important because it shows "the mainstreaming of Linux" inside a
large retail operation.