The Open Source Question

Is Free Really Free? 

At Microsoft's recent Worldwide Partner Conference, Steve Ballmer touched on the Open Source Code issue, clarifying some of the misconceptions and messages floating around.

Free is such an enticing concept, so why wouldn't anyone want that? Steve cited just a few reasons why it might not be the answer to all your problems:

1. Breakthroughs in technology, true innovation, have historically come from commercial software.

2. Who stands behind Open Source? Who owns it? Is there a clear chain of responsibility? What about indemnification?

3. Consider the total cost of ownership (TCO). The TCO on Open Source is actually higher! Do the research.

4. There are restrictions in who you can go to market with on an Open Source platform. Is that in your best interest down the line? Can the software company sustain Open Source long term if the only money made is in providing services? 

Other points of comparison where Windows has been proven to have the advantage over Linux include performance and security. Additional information on the independent studies done including white papers and industry case studies can be found on the website www.getthefacts.com.