Comments on: Microsoft: Linux threat is rising

Looking for a deal from the software giant? Try saying, "Linux."

author error?

"A key plank in its argument is that open-source software isn't cheaper in the long run because companies need to spend more on retraining IT staff who may be experienced in Windows software but not in the open-source arena."

yeah, don't you mean in the SHORT run? Once you're "retrained" your staff, your costs are significantly less than the M$ "solutions"

[duncangibb]

Staffing costs

>> Once you're "retrained" your staff, your
>> costs are significantly less than the M$
>> "solutions"

The staff costs aspect cuts both ways. The research I've seen (and my educated guesswork) suggests that - in general - Windows shops tend to employ more staff, but pay them less.

So, if a company retrains its existing staff, there's both a cost to do that and the need to raise their salaries. Otherwise the now-multiskilled employees will find someone else who'll pay better. The idea too is that the Linux systems will break (much) less often and be easier to fix, so a percentage of the staff will likely be redundant. The long term impact on costs depends on whether the reduction in numbers balances the increase in average salaries.

Staff turnover needs to be considered too. High staff turnover already means high recruitment costs. And there's little point hiring people with Windows skills - who are easy to find - training them in Linux, and watching them leave again. It would be interesting to see some research on whether companies who've depolyed Linux ended up with happier IT staff who stayed in their jobs longer.

London Event Review

I was at that event, and wrote a review with pictures here: http://www.softwarefreedomday.org/article.php?story=20040611051449640

There was actually a good Open Source crowd present, who asked some good questions.

[unknown unknown]

Anything that makes Microsoft lower prices is good..

the fact that companies are using Linux as a bargaining chip is proof their is competition.

[Tom CyBold]

Retraining

Saying that retraining of IT staff is a reason to avoid the
switch from Microsoft to Linux is like saying that medical
personnel should avoid learning about CAT scans and
radiation therapy because they already know how to help
patients with terminal illnesses die.

We already know what Microsoft's strategies and objectives
are: Locking customers into proprietary solutions that
require constant upgrades, service packs, virus protection,
and armies of IT staff. The only reason a business owner
would NOT switch to Linux is because they for some reason
have a vested interest in the status quo and WANT to see
Microsoft prosper.

I was thinking this week, watching the Reagan coverage, of
how the Soviet Union looked all-powerful and
indestructible before one man came along and said, "The
Evil Empire is morally bankrupt, and if we are strong and
united, it will fall from within." People laughed at him, but
he was right. There's a lesson here for all who despise
Microsoft's hegemony and know that there must be some
way of breaking its iron grip on the throats of American
business and consumers. Do not let the fear, uncertainty,
and doubt they are sowing dissuade you from switching to
Linux.