[Techtalk] Micro$$$oft license fees...

[Karen McIntyre]

On 3/28/02, Michelle Murrain wrote:
><snip>
>They were installing a new Win2K server, and so they were
>asking whether or not it made sense to think about using exchange for
>e-mail instead of putting the e-mail accounts on the Linux box (that holds
>the extranet). Turns out, that it would cost them $8000 in license fees to
>give the 200 staff email. Amazing. (Needless to say, I'm setting up e-mail
>on the linux box).

That's not surprising. When I was in school I had a course in Win2kPro. The
instructor, wanting to demonstrate Microsoft licensing, set up a scenario
where there was a hypothetical small business of about 40 employees. Each
was to have Win2kPro, Office 2k, and there would be a Win2k server. We
figured the cost to be around $27,000 for the licenses, if memory serves.
That was staggering to me. That's just for software, then you would still
have to buy the machines to put it in. I do not know how businesses can
afford Microsoft. Many feel they have no choice as they see no alternatives
out there. I know I read many articles of angry customers looking for
alternatives to Microsoft products. This could be a great opportunity for
Linux.

Karen