The GNOME desktop environment has numerous advantages for end-users, system administrators, and developers. Just a few of those advantages are:
The GNOME desktop has has clear, comprehensive user interface guidelines to make sure that desktop components are easy to use and understand. The usability projecta> maintains and updates the human interface guidelines and conduct rigorous tests to make sure that software functions smoothly in the real world.
People with limited vision and mobility will find GNOME easy to use, too. The atk developer tools speed development of accessible software, and ensure compatibility with screen readers, magnifiers, and keyboard modifications.
GNOME is translated into dozens of languages from Albanian to Yiddish. Many languages do not have enough speakers to merit translation efforts by proprietary software vendors, but every language has enough speakers for a GNOME translation team. The GNOME desktop also provides excellent support for non-Latin alphabets, such as Arabic and Hebrew.
GNOME developers have a choice of almost as many programming languages as human languages. C and C++ support are, of course, excellent, but software in Python, Java, Perl, and even C# can take advantage of the wide range of GNOME libraries. The language bindings page has a complete list.
Software development can be an expensive and time-consuming process, but with Gtk+ and GNOME, at least you don't have to pay for your platform. The LGPL license permits royalty-free development of both open and closed-source software. Open source development is encouraged, of course, but if you want to sell your application, you're entitled to do so. For a list of some of the developers who use GTK+, visit the GTK+ success stories page.
The GNOME desktop is easy to use, and therefore easy to support. System administrators can adjust settings, install and remove software, and solve problems remotely. The GNOME System Administrations Guide has more information on how to manage your GNOME desktops.
GNOME is the desktop of choice for industry leaders like IBM, HP, and Sun. Governments in places as diverse as Kenosha, Wisconsin, in the US, Extremadura, Spain, and Beijing, China, have selected GNOME for their desktops. With a large number of users, and a wide range of vendors, you can be assured of availability and support for a long time to come.