Thank you for all your replies,
I will check out all the accounting software mentioned but the decision is ofcourse in the end with the company heads. If tally is available for linux then i would presume they would go head with it so that there is minimal learning curve to be negotiated.
I'll ofcourse keep everyone posted on developments if people are interested but this implementation (if i may call it that) might take a while. My intention is to have atleast one(to my miniscule knowledge) of a highly successful linux implementation for a small manufacturing unit cost wise and strategy wise. A unit which will grow but need not depend upon external proprietory vendors who charge exhorbitant rates. Even playing with the idea of a mix with one system for AutoCad, and all others using software like spreadsheets/email etc. on Linux.
Idea is to reduce to functioning of IT to only an incidental level as opposed to it being a strategic function. I may be wrong here, but any corrections recommendations, suggestions are welcome. This unit has no experience with IT (4-5 computers) whatsoever and am a management guy and nowhere close to an IT whizz :)
Regards, Sachin G. Nambiar
PS: Am more or less a linux newbie ..