NHS to begin Sun desktop Linux trials

The NHS is to begin trials of a desktop Linux software suite in a move it says could free up money for the frontline health service and save taxpayer
millions of pounds.

The health service will evaluate Sun Microsystems’ Java Desktop System package, which includes the SUSE Linux operating system, a browser, StarOffice
and Ximian email.

NHS director general of IT Richard Granger, said in a statement: “Our evaluation of the Java Desktop System holds the promise of allowing a greater
share of NHS funding to flow directly towards improved levels of Patient Service. If this solution were to prove effective we could save the NHS and
the Taxpayer many millions of pounds whilst at the same time using rich and innovative software technology.”