Comment Re:Another Consideration (Score 2, Interesting) 367
You may be suprised at what you get. Linux and Open Source can save a ton of money and hassle long term, especially when implemented from scratch, but you have to know what you're doing. If you don't know or aren't sure, get help. A company of 100 employees can easily justify having two admins, especially when combined with the savings Linux and OSS are capable of.
Y'know, I keep seeing this argument on Slashdot, and it's always with the caveat "almost as good" or "the savings that Linux provides".
I've yet to see somebody come up with a real cost savings - a TCO study - for a small business using a "cobbled together" Linux/OSS solution compared to a Windows-centric solution.
Firstly: The admins. Linux admins aren't plentiful. They might appear so here, but just because you've installed Gentoo, you're not a real admin. Your users and business owners will dictate to YOU how things will be. You can have influence, and you may steer things, but being a zealot doesn't pay the bills.
Let's say they hire you, and you implement OpenLDAP, perhaps Linux for Terminal Services on the desktops (you smart guy, you), and a snazzy Windows-like distro for the execs and upper dudes in your 100-seat organization. You've got the desktops all set up great, etc., and new machines go on the network with no problem.
Now, the company is acquiring another firm - and they use (Oh Noes!) Windows! (oops, sorry - M$ Windoze - did I do it right?) They've got a KillerApp(TM) that your suits decide they Must Have and Use Daily as it will Multiply Productivity!
So you test. Oops, no OSS equivalent. Damn. Ooops, doesn't work in Crossover Office. Or Wine. Damn again. The company has no plans for an OSS release. Damn again. So ... you can install a couple Windows machines to satisfy the execs, right? Ooops, then they push it company-wide. Oh, sorry boss - you've gotta pony up for 100 seats of Windows XP Professional so we can run this app.
Second scenario: After this horrible mess, you decide to leave for purer, greener OSS pastures. what does the company do? Did you document all your work? Does *anybody* know what you've done? After all, you can't just 'pick up' Linux - it's not easy, like dumb old Windows! So how does the company hire to replace your knowledge? Oh, they can't? You're indespensible now?
These thoughts are what percolate through the minds of business owners. They're not uninformed about Linux. They've heard all the zealotry and pitfalls, and the risk to their business is NOT worth it. The cost of upkeep, finding workarounds to compatibility with their partners, vendors and customers, and the inability to just 'buy a program' is the hamstring for mainstream business adoption.
Y'know, I keep seeing this argument on Slashdot, and it's always with the caveat "almost as good" or "the savings that Linux provides".
I've yet to see somebody come up with a real cost savings - a TCO study - for a small business using a "cobbled together" Linux/OSS solution compared to a Windows-centric solution.
Firstly: The admins. Linux admins aren't plentiful. They might appear so here, but just because you've installed Gentoo, you're not a real admin. Your users and business owners will dictate to YOU how things will be. You can have influence, and you may steer things, but being a zealot doesn't pay the bills.
Let's say they hire you, and you implement OpenLDAP, perhaps Linux for Terminal Services on the desktops (you smart guy, you), and a snazzy Windows-like distro for the execs and upper dudes in your 100-seat organization. You've got the desktops all set up great, etc., and new machines go on the network with no problem.
Now, the company is acquiring another firm - and they use (Oh Noes!) Windows! (oops, sorry - M$ Windoze - did I do it right?) They've got a KillerApp(TM) that your suits decide they Must Have and Use Daily as it will Multiply Productivity!
So you test. Oops, no OSS equivalent. Damn. Ooops, doesn't work in Crossover Office. Or Wine. Damn again. The company has no plans for an OSS release. Damn again. So
Second scenario: After this horrible mess, you decide to leave for purer, greener OSS pastures. what does the company do? Did you document all your work? Does *anybody* know what you've done? After all, you can't just 'pick up' Linux - it's not easy, like dumb old Windows! So how does the company hire to replace your knowledge? Oh, they can't? You're indespensible now?
These thoughts are what percolate through the minds of business owners. They're not uninformed about Linux. They've heard all the zealotry and pitfalls, and the risk to their business is NOT worth it. The cost of upkeep, finding workarounds to compatibility with their partners, vendors and customers, and the inability to just 'buy a program' is the hamstring for mainstream business adoption.
