Hi John<br><br>I've been through this with a few clients who say they want the 'corporate backing' and the old adage 'No one got fired for buying from IBM' - normally comes down to who can they sue if something goes wrong. Never heard of much of that happening though!
<br><br>I've explained to customers how the large vendors don't normally support the solution but are just technology providers. As a solution provider it is actually safer for your client to have you supply Open Source as you have access to all the code if there are any issues - not just access to a Tech Support bod at the end of the phone line.
<br><br><br>I gave a presentation about this a while ago at an Autodesk User Day and although it mentions my company and my history it was titled <a href="http://images.autodesk.com/emea_nw_w_main/files/autodesk_open_day_25th_october_2006.ppt">
'What is all this FOSS about'</a> - trying to be comical. There may be some pointers in there that may help with the slides about 'Who develops it' and 'Who backs it' and also why I believe that there will always be a case for both open and closed source (Generic Technology vs. Vertical Solution)
<br><br>One last point would be how well do you know the customer? Is there a hidden agenda or does a closed source vendor salesman have their ear also - may be worthwhile investigating prior to re pitching the compelling reasons to go Open Source...
<br><br>HTH<br>Mike<br><br><div><span class="gmail_quote">On 07/01/07, <b class="gmail_sendername">John Mitchell</b> <<a href="mailto:mitchelljj98@gmail.com">mitchelljj98@gmail.com</a>> wrote:</span><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;">
Hi,<br><br>I am getting concerned that Mapserver will not be accepted by one of our clients because its open source. Has anyone else ever have a similar problem? Does anyone have any advice?<br><br>Thanks,<br clear="all">
<span class="sg">
<br>-- <br>John J. Mitchell
</span></blockquote></div><br>