None of the decision-makers at the company I work with are familiar with the benefits of Linux server software.

We've currently got a bunch of Windoze folks running the show.

Since tomorrow I'll have the ear of one of the decision-makers, I've been spending all weekend feverishly writing *in business terms* how Linux server software and open source talent in the IT department can cut costs and improve the network simultaneously.

If I had hours to search this forum for talking points, I could probably find links to precisely what I need like "linux boxes = reduced TCO, a linux sysadmin will increase ROI, depreciation can be extended" etc.

It's all about the budget. The business guys think about IT as a cost, period. So I need to talk in terms of "cost-effective" alternatives.

If I have time later, I will search this forum. But I will have so much to write in so little time...

If anybody wants to help me make a great case tomorrow for Linux and OSS integration at my office, I can make a really strong case maybe to replace the Windows servers with something like Debian, maybe increase the budget for an OSS system admin, but I need to talk in business terms.

If I don't get their attention in the first 2 minutes with "switching from windows server to debian can save x amount of dollars this way, an oss system admin could save x amount of dollar in software value, etc" well you get the point now...

Thanks for reading and keep up the good work LQ!!!

Go Linux

Well from an initial cost perspective, it is pretty easy to figure out. Think about all the money you are spending on operating systems, licenses, anti-virus, etc, etc; that is how much you would save up-front, software cost would be zero.

That said, you do need to have people in place that know how to work with Unix/Linux and OSS in general. It sounds like you don't have that now, so they need to hire somebody with the experience and capability to run the entire OSS part of your network basically on his own.

So unless they get rid of one of their Windows-trained staff members, the increased personnel costs will more than likely offset the savings in software at some point.

You can make a case for reliability and ease of maintenance, but like you said, the decision makers are pretty much all about the dollars and cents.

... and if they want an example of a serious company using Linux, how about NYSE: http://searchenterpriselinux.techtar...316018,00.html
Some potentially useful links here http://www.dmoz.org/Computers/Softwa...inux/Advocacy/