How Would You Argue for Open Source?

Nate asks: "I am currently working for an international corporation, and the site I am working at was (until very recently) entirely run on Windows. We recently purchased a Solaris server, and I am in charge of setting it up and resetting the global UNIX standard. The problem is that management doesn't want to install software that does not have 24 hour, worldwide support available along with it, yet they want the capabilities that only open source software can provide on a UNIX platform (VNC, OpenSSH, etc..) without spending insane amounts of money. I was wondering how the Slashdot community deals with convincing management that Open Source software is safe to use when creating a global standard, and what your solutions have been to supporting users working with open source software." Two years ago, Slashdot tackled the Enterprise Support question. Now, say you had that particular problem solved and the only thing left is that all-important pitch to Upper Management. What arguments would you use in your attempts to get their approval? What statistics and references would you point to, in order to back everything up?

Comments

If they want 24 x 7 x 365 support...

[tdemark]

...give it to them:

Form a new company with you as the only employee.

Submit monthly invoice for $50,000 to your current company for "OSS Platinum Support".

Sit back and watch the money roll in.

This works to your benefit since they'll probably call you at all hours of the night to initiate the support call, anyway...

- Tony

Go look into a mirror....

[mattsucks]

software that does not have 24 hour, worldwide support available along with it

... and say hello to the 24 hour, worldwide support team.

I like my cubicell mates answer:

[Neck_of_the_Woods]

My software is free and that makes it better..NEENER NEENER NEENER!!!

24 hour support

[calethix]

"management doesn't want to install software that does not have 24 hour"

Tell them for about $40 a month, they can buy you a cellphone and make you their 24hr on call person. And of course since you'll be salaried, you won't get over time for those 2am calls. They'll like that. ;)

Re:You could start by asking them ...

[TopShelf]

I'd recommend taking the opposite approach. Propose that the company align their strategy with the systems provider, emphasizing their expertise and services that are worth every penny of their seemingly high cost. Then watch as the PHB's start talking about less expensive alternatives...