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

changing minds, not easy

[webjedi]

I've had the same problem at all organizations I've been at, except for one.

It usually ended up in me in a shouting match

Re:"professional" language == "lame" | "non-tech"

[Acidic_Diarrhea]

Clear communication? You mean crude language. And you can communicate in a clear manner without being reduced to using sexual terms or terms that use rather foul language. I think that if you are reduced to using terms like BS and "bent over", then your language skills are lacking and you should read a few books that aren't related to the tech field. They will do wonders for your vocabulary.

Re:First ask a few questions

[Acidic_Diarrhea]

Where did I say anything about glossing over problems? There is a certain way to behave in polite society about mentioning being "bent over", implying anal sex, is not part of that behavior. Do you honestly think it's appropriate to discuss anal sex with the CEO of this company?