Total Cost of Ownership - The Canadian Government chimes in.

I came across an interesting study done by the Canadian Government, who seem to be evaluating Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) for their own needs. Their assessment really shows how FOSS really is heads and shoulders above proprietary software. The study can be found at:

http://www.cio-dpi.gc.ca/fap-paf/oss-ll/foss-llo/model_e.asp

What's particularly interesting is the cost of software, and the people cost. Some critics of FOSS have suggested that FOSS requires higher priced admins because FOSS requires more knowledge. Well, it may, but there's a lot of people attracted to Free and Open Source Software, and I think the Government's people numbers really reflect that. Almost a 3 million dollar savings each year in people costs alone, not to mention the software!

Rather than post a new post for 05/09/2005, I decided to append this last post since what I came across is yet another Total Cost of Ownership issue. Apparently schools in the UK have been told they should dump Microsoft software in order to drastically cut costs. Here's a link to part of the story:

http://www.tes.co.uk/2094985