[OSGeo-Discuss] Comparision between MapServer/OpenLayers and ESRI ArcIMS

[Bill Thoen]

I need to make a case for developing a map and data server using Open  
Source software such as MapServer, Open Layers, PostgereSQL/PostGIS to  
counter a proposal to go with ESRI's solutions. The client who this  
would be directed to manages a lot of land parcels on which some  
development is planned. As part of the support for this, the object is  
to build an Internet-accessible server that maintains about 800Gb of  
spatial and tabular data, that can provide interactive maps of the  
properties, data downloads of selected areas and layers in shapefile,  
AutoCAD and other formats. It also needs to generate 3D surfaces from  
dense LiDAR data that's available. It also needs a database cataloging  
system that can be searched for data held in the system. Finally, it  
needs to provide different access privileges to various personnel who  
will be using restricted data sets.

So what I need are some *current* facts about what packages are needed  
to do this completely with ESRI software and what it will cost. Have 
any  of you had to address this 800-lb gorilla problem recently and do 
you have any advice or facts I can use? I have to  present my case to 
people who don't know much about GIS so I think price  is going to be my 
best argument. So far, all I've been able to ascertain  is that an 
Internet license for ArcIMS costs about $9 - $10K per dual  core machine 
per year. Is that true? And don't you also need ArcSDE for the  database 
connection, and some Arc3D for surface generation from LiDAR  and copies 
of ArcGIS all around, and is data downloading even available  through 
ArcIMS? What functionality comes "out-of-the-box" with ESRI's tools that 
meets what I've listed above? Is there something in the ESRI stable that 
can maintain differential, password-protected user access? How much 
would still have to be developed? And what about training and staff to 
maintain the system? What's that cost?

If anyone has answers to any of these questions I'd be grateful if you 
could give me some facts. As it stands I can put those questions out for 
consideration, but I'd like to know the answers too.

Thanks,
- Bill Thoen