ADC finds Microsoft desktop solution cheaper than Linux
ADC Telecommunications, a global provider of network infrastructure products and services, needed to upgrade its Microsoft Windows client operating systems to stay up to date with security features, application compatibility, and vendor support.
At the request of executives seeking to reduce costs, ADC evaluated Linux—Red Hat Linux 9, OpenOffice.org 1.0.2, and Ximian Evolution 1.4.5 (now Novell Evolution)—as an alternative to upgrading to Microsoft Windows XP Professional and using the company's existing productivity suite, Microsoft Office 2000 Professional.
In the end, ADC chose to deploy Windows XP. The evaluation showed that the Microsoft products were easier to install and use; plus, the Linux solution did not integrate with key ADC systems. An ADC analysis of licensing, training, and support costs found that the Microsoft solution also would cost 67% less than Linux.
Organisation profile
ADC Telecommunications provides network infrastructure products and services for the delivery of high-speed Internet, data, video, and voice services to consumers and businesses worldwide. They employ around 2500 employees
Business situation
The company needed to upgrade its client operating systems. ADC evaluated Red Hat Linux 9 as an alternative to Microsoft Windows XP Professional.
Solution
The Microsoft solution, including Windows XP and Microsoft Office 2000 Professional, proved to be substantially more cost efficient than Linux. Microsoft products were easier to install and use, had more advanced features, and required no training.
Benefits
- Costs 67 percent, less than Linux
- Integrates with existing infrastructure
- Saves setup time
- Provides higher productivity
