[SLUG] Re: [Oz-ISP] Linux -v- M$ Costs

[Lincoln Dale <ltd@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

At 02:57 09/08/00, Howard Lowndes wrote:
> I have a good idea what the Linux costings will work out at, but I am not
> too sure of the M$ costs.  If anyone has any info in this field they would
> care to impart I would be grateful.

for linux costs, rather than thinking of it as an exercise of:
 (1) cost of PC
 (2) (perhaps) cost of redhat CD
 (3) cost of person to install/configure netfilter/sendmail/qpopper/samba/..
 (4) regular maintenance to (3)

you might want to instead look at something by companies like cobalt 
networks or valinux.  (standalone pre-configured, self-maintaining, _with 
support_.).

you might also find that the web sites of cobalt networks / valinux / 
redhat have papers going thru the "total cost of ownership".
i know that microsoft's web-site has these (of course, NT comes out on 
top), but the facts/figures were dubious last time i looked at them.


cheers,

lincoln.