Linux for small business

[Derek Neighbors]

I am the a HUGE supporter of Free Software, but I dont think this is 
accurate.

> Just because you own the starting software does not mean it is free. You
> can save money in quite a few areas:

I agree, but you are totally ignoring the cost of actually switching 
systems and retraining employees.  This is a REAL cost.  As much as I love 
GNU/Linux, it is often not cost prohibitive to switch to GNU/Linux simply 
to spite Microsoft.

> A: Support. Linux is stable unlike the Win 95 -98. This saves money in
> several ways:
> 
> 	1) Little to no downtime, Windows 95 -98 require rebooting taking away
> from work time. This costs real money.

This is almost completely nullified by the cost to retrain individuals and 
the cost to reload software.  (i.e. over a 5 year period you may recoup 
the costs but not in a 12 month time span)

> 	2) You control what software is installed, reducing the support load.
You can do this in a windows environment.

> 	3) Should support be needed you can do it remotely.
VNC is free and allows for remote support.

> B: Upgrades, Windows is expensive and so are the upgrades. Microsoft is
> pushing to force everyone to upgrade at least every 18 months.
Ok now you are changing your argument.  I FULLY 100% agree that if you are 
in a position where you are considering UPGRADING Microsoft Products/Tools 
this is a PRIME time to switch.  As the savings in the upgrade offsets the 
retraining and implementation costs.

> C: Audits, BSA is now doing more and more audits. These are expensive to
> do, read the articles on /. If you have no windows there is no audits
> required, if you are only running a single windows box then that is all
> they could audit and you should be able to keep a single windows box
> audit safe.
Switching to GNU/Linux doesnt prevent an audit, becuase you still own the 
Windows License.  Just because you dont 'use' it doesnt mean you can't be 
audited.  In fact, they would be more apt to audit you, to make you prove 
you are not using it.

Now to prove I support Free Software, use the most important reason you 
shouldn't use Prop software and its not 'cost'.

It is is Damagaing to your business. Why? Because you are locked in and 
held hostage.  What does that mean?  It means if the software doesnt do what 
you want or what it should and vendor doesnt want it to, you are screwed.  
It also means you can not inspect the software to see what its doing.

So many businesses change their business to fit their software instead of 
being able to change the software to fit their business.

In essence even if it costs you money to get rid of Prop software its 
better for your business in the long run.  :)

Derek Neighbors
GNU Enterprise
http://www.gnuenteprise.org