International Data Corporation: Windows 2000 Server and Linux Server Operating Environment five-year total cost of ownership by Workload ($)

Although Linux appears to be lower in cost for Web servers than Windows, the report revealed that the Web servers studied did not include large-scale Web hosters, nor did it include Web pages as front ends for back-end line of business (LOB) or database applications, or any applications requiring integrated security. However, the Web server staffing cost was nearly 30% higher for the Linux platform than for the Windows platform. The lower TCO cost resulted in the difference on the cost of the software.

The most significant finding of the study was the significantly higher labor cost for Linux. Overall, Linux required almost three times more support staff than Microsoft Windows. Linux required more developers to support the network, servers, desktop, helpdesk, and applications development.

In addition to the IDC, a study by Forrester Research called “Linux is not ready for the Enterprise”, Jun 18, 2003 (source: http://www.forrester.com/home/0,6092,1-1,FF.html ), reveled that “while Linux is technically a very competent product, it still lacks the necessary maturity for a mission critical enterprise deployment. It does have a place as solution for small companies who, themselves, occupy cottage industries and where a handshake is all the contract you really ever need. In an enterprise, unfortunately, cost controls and solid policies that put the business first must take precedence and place Linux off the list of consideration, possibly forever, for many enterprises.” Rob Enderle, Forrester Research