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How Would You Argue for Open Source?

Posted by Cliff on from the convincing-your-superiors dept.

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?

8 of 488 comments (clear)

  1. changing minds, not easy by webjedi · · Score: 3, Offtopic

    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

  2. How Would I Argue for Open Source? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Quietly, so as not to become embarrased.

  3. 3-Step Plan by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    With specious reasoning, wild accusations and numerous misspellings.

  4. LIKE A WHINY UNWASHED BITCH. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic
  5. Re:"professional" language == "lame" | "non-tech" by Acidic_Diarrhea · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    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.

    --
    I hate liberals. If you are a liberal, do not reply.
  6. Re:First ask a few questions by Acidic_Diarrhea · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    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?

    --
    I hate liberals. If you are a liberal, do not reply.
  7. Re:First ask a few questions by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Do you honestly think it's appropriate to discuss anal sex with the CEO of this company?

    I wouldn't want to duscuss anal sex with anyone if my name were "Acidic Diarrhea".

  8. Re:"professional" language == "lame" | "non-tech" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic
    If informing you that I have an education makes you so upset, perhaps you should consider why it is that you are so unhappy with your life.

    How's high school going for you? Don't worry - you'll get a date to the prom.