Computer Weekly 13th June 2006 "Open Source makes a good Donation"
Burningsuit also provided training for Migrant Helpline’s
staff. “People get a little frustrated when they first use Openoffice because
things are in different places,” says Stuart Box, senior partner at Burningsuit.
“Once they understand that, it falls into place.”
According to Box, training is vital to the successful adoption
of any computer software, but this is especially true with open source
applications.
“Many companies try Openoffice but give up because it is
slightly different and not an exact copy of what they know. Properly configured,
training in Openoffice and other open source applications can overcome these
difficulties.”
Billingshurst, West Sussex - Sep 14, 2004
(PRN): The
Charity Migrant Helpline is moving its 200 computer users over from Microsoft
Windows to an Open Source solution with help and training from The Burningsuit
Consultancy.
The Dover and Southern England based Charity is moving its users over to
OpenOffice.org applications running on Mandrake Linux with Ximian Evolution
Email. To help achieve this change The Burningsuit Consultancy has created and
is delivering bespoke training courses which give all users the essential skills
they need in the new environment.
"Migrant Helpline gets many benefits from using OpenSource software" says Chief
Executive Annie Ledger. "We've found it to be stable, fast, and less prone to
viruses and other exploits. It has all the features we need, and with a bit of
training it's easy to use".
The Burningsuit Consultancy is training the whole organisation in groups of up
to ten at Migrant Helpline's training suite in Dover. Feedback from the course
is good with over 95% of delegates rating the course as "good or "excellent".
Importantly 68% of the staff who have completed the course now say that they can
do things with OpenOffice they couldn't do with previous systems. Topics such as
the use of styles in OpenOffice are clearly explained and taught and this,
together with easy to use Quick Reference Guides and the careful configuring of
the courses to Migrant Helpline's needs, has resulted in an improvement in IT
skills across the organisation.
"Training is vital to the successful adoption of any computer software, and this
is especially true with Open Source applications." says Stuart Box, Senior
Partner at The Burningsuit Consultancy. "Many companies try OpenOffice, but give
up because it's slightly different, and they find it's not an exact copy of what
they know. Properly configured training in OpenOffice and other Open Source
applications can overcome these difficulties, explain the differences and make
users far more productive."
"Open Office is a wonderful application, easily as good if not better than its
commercial alternatives, but its adoption is being held up by a lack of
understanding of the applications. Migrant Helpline have proved that with proper
training and control OpenOffice and other Open Source software can provide
solutions that are fast, stable and cost effective, yet offer all the benefits
and features of their commercial alternatives".
About The Burningsuit Consultancy
Formed in August 2000, The Burningsuit Consultancy specialises in training and
consulting in all aspects of Office Technology. They provide training on the
entire Microsoft suite of office applications, and have been passionate
advocates of Open Source applications, particularly Open Office, since their
inception.
About Migrant Helpline
Migrant Helpline is an independent non-government organisation, a registered
Charity and a company limited by Guarantee. The organisation is committed to
providing a comprehensive and wide-ranging reception and advice service to
asylum seekers and refugees presenting and residing within its area of
operations, promoting awareness of asylum issues and working towards integration
of asylum seekers and refugees within the community.