Save Huge on Business Start-Up Costs by Embracing Open Source Technologies
Submitted by Joshua Briley on March 20, 2007 - 9:49pm.Computer applications these days are almost as important to businesses as the people using them. The advanced pace of business requires quicker turnaround times on nearly everything. Simply stated, an organization lacking in advanced computer technology is at a huge competitive disadvantage to those stacked with rich computer and internet applications. For startup businesses, the purchase of several computers and their associated licenses for Windows, Microsoft Office, and numerous other business applications can be a killer. This article aims to help your small business save on potentially devastating technology start up costs, utilizing Open Source Applications to maximize your competitive advantage.
Modern computers are much more cost effective than computers of yesteryear. They’re more efficient therefore costing less to maintain. They last longer, provided they are appropriately serviced. The major expense with many computer purchases is the Operating System (OS) and the associated software. Most come bundled with an OS and scaled down business productivity applications. The truth is that you don’t need computers with these additional pieces of software. You can purchase the computer, and then use open source programs to save a considerable amount. But how much can you save if you go the open source route? The answer… tons. Purchasing 10 new fully functional computers with MS Vista, Microsoft Office, Adobe, Antivirus and Anti Spyware programs, etc can end up costing somewhere in the ballpark of $15K-$20K. Don’t forget to add Internet connectivity, faxes, telephones, etc. on top of that. This stuff adds up pretty fast doesn’t it? Let’s take a look at the options.
Operating System
Buying a stripped down computer isn’t ideal, we realize that. We’re trying to save money, so we’ll need somewhat of a DIY mindset. We’ll first start with the OS. Think Windows. Pricing for MS Vista is currently going for:
- Windows Vista Business: $299
- Windows Vista Ultimate: $399
Ok, that doesn’t sound like much. Remember, going the open source (free) route, we’re talking about an up front savings of nearly $4K. There are several Open Source Operating Systems available. Linux, being one of the most popular, we recommend you begin your search there. Visit http://www.linux.org/ for more details.
Savings: ~ $4000.00
Office Productivity Suite
One of the major software purchases for starting businesses is our trusty friend, Microsoft Office. Let’s face it, it’s the cat’s meow in regards to business productivity applications. You’ve got your database (Access), your spreadsheet (Excel), your Word Processor (Word), your slide presentation application (Power Point), just to name a few. The licensing for these tools can be devastating. Looking for a cost effective alternative? Look to Open Office. The Open Office platform is completely compatible with MS Office files. A file created in MS Office can be viewed and modified in Open Office, and vice versa. With this free download you get:
- Write – MS Word equivalent
- Presentation – MS Powerpoint equivalent
- Math - It is most commonly used as an equation editor for text documents, but it can also be used with other types of documents or stand-alone
- Draw – MS Photo Draw equivalent
- Calc – MS Excel Equivalent
- Base – MS Access Equivalent
Still not sure? Visit http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1571626,00.asp for eWeek’s side by side comparison between the two.
Savings: ~ $4000.00
Email and Internet Access
But what about internet access and email? No sweat, that’s covered, too. Mozilla Firefox is considered by the majority of web developers to be the ideal web browser. There are numerous perks for non developers, giving you much more control on how you view your web pages. There are many advantages and free add-ons available that you simply cannot gain with Internet Explorer. Its sister component, Thunderbird, is everything you’ve ever wanted in MS Outlook and more. The price for these two open source solutions: FREE!
Savings vs. the alternative based on 10 computers: Considering MS Outlook to be bundled with MS Office Professional, please refer to the Office Productivity Suite Section.
Accounting Software
Well, we can’t forget about our accounting software. Our business needs to make money, and we need to track our assets and liabilities, right? Designed to be easy to use, yet powerful and flexible, GnuCash allows you to track bank accounts, stocks, income and expenses. As quick and intuitive to use as a checkbook register, it is based on professional accounting principles to ensure balanced books and accurate reports. Sure you could use QuickBooks, and Again, you ask… how much? FREE!
Savings: ~ $400.00/license (depending on the number of computers on which you install accounting software)
PDF Conversion Software
OK, you’ve got your Operating System, your Office Productivity Suite, your Internet and Email software, and finally your Accounting software. Now you want to start sending invoices, reports and such. You don’t want to send Word equivalent documents. You want your clients to receive nice sleek PDF’s. Forget the $100 or so bucks you’d spend on most commercial PDF converters. Check out PDF Creator for a solid, free alternative.
Savings: ~ $1000.00
Antivirus / Antispyware Software
At present, we currently do not recommend any open source Antivirus/Antispyware software. Do yourself the favor and spend the money to purchase a product from a reputable vendor such as Symantec, Computer Associates, Trend Micro, etc.
Summary
Based on 10 new computers and the associated business software requirements, considering Open Source solutions can lead to an initial savings of almost $10K. There is unwavering support available for these technologies, making many answers to your questions easy to come by. The fact that many enterprise level organizations are moving towards open source programs is credence that these applications are solid and offer every bit as much as those upon which they are modeled.
