[ale] Request for information - how linux saves $$$

[Irv Mullins]

On Friday 16 August 2002 09:56 am, you wrote:

> Here's the deal.  After forwarding this
> (http://news.com.com/2100-1001-949913.html?tag=fd_top) article to our
> location manager, he stopped by and said he'd like to take a look at how
> much we actually could save by switching our desktops to Linux.  Now, I'm
> tasked to draw up this comparison and need some help.

I would start by reading some success stories:
http://www.marcelgagne.com/linux_success.html  has some links, 
and then seeing how those experiences might apply to your business. 

Whether you would actually save anything for several years is 
open to question, since your Microsoft licenses are already paid for. 
In the long run, however, a look at Microsoft's practices (along with 
plain ole business sense) indicates that they will eventually be charging 
a yearly or monthly fee for the use of their software.  I would want to avoid 
getting locked into such an arrangement, with its mandatory upgrades and 
uncontrollable costs. 

Perhaps the prudent course would be to plan a gradual transition away from an 
all-Microsoft shop. Some tasks (and some people) will be easier to change 
than others.  Once you can show success in one area, it will be easier to 
expand (plus you'll have some in-house Linux experience to call upon 
when it comes time to train the others).

Actually computing the cost savings isn't going to be easy, unless your 
manager happens to also be chairman of the board of Microsoft or has 
other ways of controlling what they decide to do in the future.

Regards,
Irv

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