Open Source as Alternative
SME can rely on using the new generating of Linux Desktop as their company’s operating system. Years ago when Linux tried to penetrate this SME market, it was still rugged and many interoperatability between Windows clients were not ready. The gap between Linux and Microsoft Windows is now closing in and at some areas, it actually outbeats Microsoft Windows. As it is already a fact now, Girls can do the same things as what Guys do, and some does them better. 
Here are some alternative things which Linux has manage to accomplish in bridging the gap to Microsoft Windows platform.
Operating System Cost
Microsoft Windows Vista Business Edition - USD$199.95
Fedora Core 9 - USD$0.50 (Cost of a blank DVD)
Office Productivity Tools
Microsoft Office Small Business Edition 2007 - USD$449.95
Sun OpenOffice 2.4 - USD$0.00
Mail Servers
Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 - USD$3,677.48 to $6,809.99
Linux MTA servers or Google Apps - USD$0.00 (You may need to get some expert help on this)
Web Browsers
Internet Explorer 7 - USD$0.00
Mozilla Firefox 3 - USD$0.00
Opera 9.5 - USD$0.00
All are available at your expense and you can decide for yourself how much you would want to save. It is all about mindset changing and removing the idea that there is only one.
August 3rd, 2008 at 12:44 pm
I agreed with you