In the black: Why Linux makes financial sense

David M Williams
Wednesday, 28 November 2007 17:39

Opinion and Analysis

This may not even be anything new, but the enforcement mechanisms – such as activation and Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) – are being ramped up such that any enterprise which isn’t compliant is likely to experience difficulties somewhere along the line. It’s not possible to keep, inadvertently of course, re-using the same serial key over and above its legitimate installation count.

That’s not to say these anti-piracy mechanisms only hurt the guilty. Imagine you have a product which depends on Windows XP. In time, it will no longer be possible to purchase that operating system. Today, you can genuinely buy a new computer and even if it comes with Windows Vista you may also purchase Windows XP and install it on the machine. The time is coming when this will not be possible; nobody will sell you a Windows XP license – and this in turn impacts your use of the critical line-of-business app.

The problem just worsens: IT staff will need to support a mixture of Windows versions, including developing multiple standard operating environments. To achieve a homogeneous network, you will need to upgrade all the computers to Windows Vista, which means – particularly for a small company – a significant financial expense has been incurred, driven solely by the licensing oddities of a software vendor.

Irrespective of what you may think about Windows Vista, it is reasonable to say that such costs should not be driven by a technology vendor. Instead, the business ought to be finding vendors and systems which serve its needs.

Here’s where Linux comes in as a viable option. In our particular examples, the requirement for a wider range of supported document formats is met with Open Office without a corresponding price tag, particularly with far less likelihood that any additional hardware is required.

Additionally, the right to use any specific version of any Linux distro is irrevocable. Once again, while upgrading to newer software is desirable, the fact is a company can settle on a precise platform and retain control over when they elect to upgrade no matter how many new computer systems are purchased in the meantime. The one and the same Linux CD or DVD can be used repeatedly on computer after computer without any fear of violating the licensing.

Let’s consider one more point: Microsoft raised the notion that a good Windows admin is easier to find and less expensive than a good Linux admin. These may or may not be true; however, even if we take Microsoft’s word, it is definitely fair to say a Linux system requires less administration. There are less reboots required, less crashes and what’s more, due to its built-in encouragement and endorsement for automation, Linux admins are likely able to be more productive across more machines than a similarly competent Windows person.

In a similar fashion, Linux does not – depending on context – require anti-virus or remote administration software. There are certain symbiotic Windows add-ons which Linux simply does not require whatsoever – again, all with a pricetag attached.

So there you have it; here’s some lines of thought to get your brain germinating on selling Linux to your company as a smart business move.