Is open source software an accepted tool for business? In this special report, silicon.com searches for real-world examples of enterprises using open source such as the Linux operating system and MySQL database, both the successes and the failures.
We also investigate further aspects of doing business with open source - including TCO for Windows vs. Linux, the best models for generating revenue with open source products and a glimpse of how open source will evolve in the future.
Case Study
PA spreads the news on open source
Press Association is moving to an open source platform for its editorial content management system to take advantage of flexibility and cost benefits.
Video
Video: Sun to open source Java
It's not 'if' but 'how'...
Comment
Quocirca's Straight Talking: How Linux is hurting Microsoft
Many enterprises use a mix of open source and proprietary software. But there's one place where Linux in particular threatens to impinge on Windows' dominance. Quocirca's Bob Tarzey explains.
Comment
Devil's Advocate: Open source for government
Why it'd be a winning combination...
Video
Video: Sun CEO hails the "participation age"
McNealy meets the analysts
Comment
Analysis: Open source unwrapped
What are the pros and cons of collaborative development?
Video
Video: Red Hat CEO - 'We're not dominating open source'
Control is bad, says Szulik
Leader
Leader: Microsoft and OSDL - a missed opportunity?
Research could have helped IT users decide
South Africa plumps for Open Documents
All about interoperability...
Norwegian desktop Linux switch halted
Bergen puts open source plans on ice...
Welsh council embraces open source
Email system for schools to serve up to 40,000...
Mobile Linux movement picks up pace
Challenging the Microsoft and Symbian behemoths...
Boeing zeros in on Linux for military aircraft
'You're in the army now... '
Stories from around the web...
Q&A: Mark Spencer, CEO of open source VoIP company Digium CNET News.com
The top open source security applications CIO Today
Is open source ERP the best choice for SMBs? Search Enterprise Linux
Open source's lessons from userspace ZDNet UK
Open-source databases find their place in the enterprise Techworld.com
Choosing Desktop Linux
With its 'free' open source status and claims of high security, the appeal of Linux is clear.
Yet recent research from analysts Quocirca reveals the majority of organisations who have looked at the Desktop Linux option are still either at the experimental or limited-deployment stage.
This indicates Linux is no 'magic bullet' for Windows' shortcomings. While a move to Linux might in theory tackle some of the challenges at an operating system level, it is highly likely to create a whole bunch of other problems along the way.
To find out more about Quocirca's findings on Desktop Linux - and request a free copy of their report, click here.
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