Linux removes the complexity of software licensing and whats more its free for as many users as you like!

Price example - Linux based SME Server Installed and Configured from £900! (a virtually complete replacement for Microsoft Small Business Server. Equivalent price for Microsoft Small Business Server £1900)

The Linux Operating system is known as open source software, put simply anyone can download and use it without paying a penny for it. This does not mean the software is no good, far from it, most is at least equal to the vendor specific equivalents and some of it is vastly superior.

Learn more about open source

Basically open source software is written by a large community of dedicated programmers and IT professionals that write the software without recompense, save that they are then the experts in that software and can command high consultancy rates when the big companies decide to use it, which by the way, many are starting to do!

The software costs for Microsoft small business server and four desktop clients can be in the region of £1400. If you want to add Microsoft Office to that (Word, Excell, Powerpoint etc.) then add getting on for another £1000 for the four desktops. The same effect can be achieved using Linux and open source software for free, you just need to pay for the hardware itself.

Linux is more secure than MS Windows! Not only because it is an operating system that has its basis back in the sixties (so 40 odd years of development has gone into it), but also because those that write viruses and other malware don't tend to target the linux platform, preferring instead to target the more common Microsoft offerings.

Of course most businesses will want windows on the users desktop as that is the environment they are used to, but linux can still make savings when it is used purely as a server operating system. Linux is the operating system that runs over 80% of the internet.

Unfortunately I don't have space in this website to explain exactly how, whether and why you should use Linux and open source software but it's surely good to know that I can advise on the best solution completely independently of vendor specific products.

If you want to learn more about Linux and open source software I have included some links on the right hand side of this page that will introduce you to this exciting new method of software distribution.

Of course its not a solution for every business but its something every business should consider. With 20 years of practical hands on experience both in business and in IT, I can certainly provide the expertise to help you reach the right decision for your business.