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.
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Video: Sun to open source Java
It's not 'if' but 'how'...
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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.
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Devil's Advocate: Open source for government
Why it'd be a winning combination...
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Video: Sun CEO hails the "participation age"
McNealy meets the analysts
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Analysis: Open source unwrapped
What are the pros and cons of collaborative development?
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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
Leader
Leader: Microsoft and Linux must co-exist
Technology can't live in isolation
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The future is open source
Over the last 10 years open source has exploded onto the enterprise scene. With support from governments growing, how will it mature over the next five? Danny Bradbury reports.
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TCO: Linux v Windows
Will the open source OS really save you money? Jo Best looks at which issues CIOs should investigate to determine whether switching to Linux from Windows will bring about cost savings for the business.
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Open source gets down to business
No one ever made any money giving away free software - unless, that is, they use the software to support a commercial business model. Danny Bradbury reports on how companies are profiting from the open source model.
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Linux comes to the telephone
Linux desktops and servers are widespread. But Linux telephones? It could be the biggest use yet. Ben King talks to some early adopters to see how they like running their PBXes on an open source platform.
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Open source: Where the LAMP stacks burn brightest
The LAMP stack is gaining acceptance with businesses but does it have what it takes to overtake its closed source competitors? Danny Bradbury finds out.
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Leader: Open source news not as good as it sounds
In selling open source software to schools and local government, cost is only one of the considerations. These organisations also need a certain amount of know-how - both for the practical implementation and in even realising it's an option. Ease-of-use, familiarity and the hassle of any migration must be weighed alongside any monetary savings.
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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