I've heard all the reasons why small-business folks might be wary of using Linux to power their business applications. They think Linux is the operating system of geeks. They fear it's too difficult to learn. They're worried they won't be able to get technical support. They're concerned they might have withdrawal symptoms if they stop using Windows applications.
None of these things is true. In fact, though Linux began in the geek world, it is now easier to use than ever before. Training and technical-support options are abundant, and you can even run your favorite Windows applications on Linux if you like. So what's to fear?
Recently, I've been comparing the costs and functional differences of using three different approaches to supporting business applications at small companies. In particular, I've examined the latest release of Red Hat Linux 7.1 and compared it to choosing shrink-wrapped, small-business software suites, or renting applications via an ASP to run all business applications. During my examination, I discovered that using Linux to support business applications is highly flexible and economically sound.
Functionally, you can find the same capabilities regardless of which approach you take. For example, you'll find e-mail, collaboration tools, database and Web server solutions, security tools, and financial software with all these approaches. But there are cost differences and other concerns you should be aware of.
If you purchase a small-business software suite--such as one from Novell, IBM, or Microsoft--you should plan on spending from $450 to $2,500 to support your users, depending on which solution you choose. Many of these solutions also are sold with a specific number of user licenses. If you need to support more users, you'll need to purchase additional licenses, which can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to your costs.
Small-business suites also tend to bundle everything but the kitchen sink, and you may not need all the software that you're purchasing. In addition, you'll need to have technical expertise on-hand or be willing to train one of your staffers, since these software suites are rather complex to set up and maintain.
Some software suites also have minimum hardware requirements for which you'll need to account. If you purchase a suite that has beefy hardware needs, you'll want to invest money in additional hardware as well.
Take out?
The idea of outsourcing your applications is appealing on a number of fronts. You can rent just the specific applications you need and pay for them with a fixed monthly cost. You won't end up buying something you don't need, and you can accurately forecast your budget, too.
InfoGenius Inc.'s Application Rental Guide contains a bevy of sources you might examine if you think about renting applications. Prices will vary substantially depending on the type of applications you need. Some applications (such as e-mail) are available for free if you don't mind seeing advertisements. Others (such as faxing service) run from $10 to $30 per month while others (such as Customer Relationship Management software) can run hundreds or even thousands of dollars per month.
Since the applications are rented, you'll likely not have to invest in server hardware or software. Your users can still maintain their desktops or laptops. They will most likely access the rented applications via a browser. Thus, renting applications will reduce software licensing and hardware costs. In addition, you probably won't need to invest a lot of money in technical resources or training.
However, with outsourced applications, you need to worry about other things, such as security and the reliability (and, these days, survivability) of your provider. For example, if you put your company's database or financial applications with an outsourcer, will prying eyes be able to get at your sensitive information? Worse yet, if you outsource important company data, how will you get the data back should your provider cease to exist?
I find application rental ideal for some things, though. Web-based collaboration from vendors such as Webex is an easy way to set up online meetings or demonstrations regardless of where the parties involved are physically located. Likewise, renting a faxing service is quite convenient, especially when inbound faxes can automatically route to your e-mail account and when all users in the office can share the service.
