[OSGeo-Discuss] Top ten myths for open source in geo?

[Jorge Gaspar Sanz Salinas]

2009/1/22 James Fee <james.fee at rsparch.com>:
> -----Original Message-----
>> From: discuss-bounces at lists.osgeo.org [mailto:discuss
> bounces at lists.osgeo.org] On Behalf Of Frank Warmerdam
>> Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2009 2:21 PM
>> To: OSGeo Discussions
>> Subject: Re: [OSGeo-Discuss] Top ten myths for open source in geo?
>>
>> Another common one in general is "open source is just for that geeky
>> linux operating system, I want to use windows!" to which the response
>> will hopefully reference some particular windows packaging efforts
> like
>> OSGeo4W as well as indicating that most projects do offer binaries for
>> windows.  I often try to make the point that OSGeo and FOSS4G is
> available
>> for many operating systems, and that using open source GIS software
> does
>> not mean pushing linux down peoples throats.
>
> This is the biggest issue I find myself needing to "educate" potential
> users of open source solutions.  Many open source server projects are
> much easier to install than their proprietary counterparts.
>
>
> --
> James Fee
> RSP Architects Ltd.
> 502 South College Avenue, Suite 203, Tempe, AZ 85281
> 480-889-2095 (w)
> 602-819-2142 (m)
> _______________________________________________
> Discuss mailing list
> Discuss at lists.osgeo.org
> http://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss
>

If you undestand Spanish this[1] speech by the chair of the GIS
department of the Barcelona port (on the 2nd Spanish FOSS4g
conference) is really interesting.

It was one of the best presentations I've seen recently and raises all
the fears or doubts (also the good points) he has about Free Software
for a large organization like the BCN port.

Briefly (minute 21 aprox):

* TCO
* Future sustainability of a project (not only for FOSS!)
* Need of professionals on his IT team with expertise on their technologies
* Obsolescence risk (he has a Smallworld system for 14 years)
* He doesn't find a BCN company offering support for FOSS
* He doesn't find good documentation or good training on FOSS
* He finds better admin tools on propietary software

Cheers
[1] http://www.sigte.udg.es/jornadassiglibre2008/blog/?p=32
-- 
Jorge Gaspar Sanz Salinas
Ingeniero en Geodesia y Cartografía
http://geomaticblog.net/people/xurxo