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

[John Callahan]

I've dealt with this question before but not quite with those 
specifics.  Actually, I've had these issues from a different angle: 
people who already have the ESRI suite because their larger company or 
government agency purchased an ESRI enterprise license yet they were 
looking at open source as a serious option.

Hopefully some of this can help...


My first thought is that a current ESRI solution would be based on 
ArcGIS Server rather than ArcIMS.  ArcIMS is basically gone (the 2008 
Dev Summit had ZERO tech sessions on ArcIMS but did have a few migration 
to ArcGIS server topics.  On the current ESRI support site for ArcIMS 
life cycle, they do NOT mention a 9.4 release (current is 9.3.1) 
although they do for ArcGIS Desktop and ArcGIS Server.  The ArcIMS Data 
Delivery Extension is not being sold any more.  ArcIMS could do basic 
clip-n-ship using the Extract Server but that is only available using 
the old AXL image services and NOT the ArcMap services.    I've heard 
trusted rumors (from some ESRI staff at tech shows and conferences) that 
ArcGIS Server is where ESRI has been putting all their energy for the 
past few years.  

ArcGIS Server (AGS) costs quite a bit, up to 4 cores it's about $32K - 
$40K per server for the advanced, enterprise level.    This Advanced 
version includes the 3D, Spatial, Network and Geostatistical extenions.  
It does not include the Data Interoperability extension (based on FME 
Safe and typically used for data ETL tasks) or the Image Server 
extension (used for real-time display of rasters in various bands and 
combinations, like NDVI)   Extensions are about 4K - 8K each.

The "Enterprise" licenses mean it includes more features plus ArcSDE for 
major RDBMS like Oracle SQL Server.  The "Workgroup" version includes a 
limited ArcSDE for Workgroups.  Enterprise ArcSDE (and therefore 
Enterprise ArcGIS Server) is almost *required* for anything data 
delivery system greater than a few GB and especially if web based.


For more pricing, here are a few I found...

https://www.gsaadvantage.gov/  (search for "arcgis server")
http://www.eyaktek.com/public/ESRI%20Catalog%2006-20-08.xls
http://www.esri.com/partners/hardware/ibm-advanced-enterprise.pdf


For data processing and delivery, like LIDAR processing and anything 
that would result from a model, is typically done either 1) via Model 
Builder, python scripts in the ArcMap MXD document (typically unstable), 
or 2) via ArcObjects coding through the NET or Java APIs (the Interface 
OO programming is difficult to learn).  Recently, quite a lot is done 
through ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap.)  ArcCatalog is used to fully manage 
AGS.  There is a web application for managing AGS but it can't do 
everything that ArcCatalog can do, critical things like map caching.  
(at least that was the case in 9.2.)   So, yes, you'll need quite a few 
ArcGIS Desktops. 

You'll need ArcEditor (~$5K) versions for writing to ArcSDE.  You'll 
need ArcInfo level (~$14K) for creating the models to be processed in 
AGS.   This does not include desktop extensions which run about $2.5K 
each.  Plus, many advanced feature of AGS (that you see in demos or 
brochures) are only accessible via thick AGS clients like ArcGIS DEsktop 
or ArcGIS Explorer.  Remember the initial primary purpose for AGS was 
was a desktop GIS server, like a replacement for the old ArcInfo 7x 
geoprocessing server.  It was to push centralized GIS processing, 
editing, mobile checkin/checkout, geocoding, etc...   Traditional web 
applications (replacement for ArcIMS) came later.


- John

**************************************************
John Callahan
Geospatial Application Developer
Delaware Geological Survey, University of Delaware
227 Academy St, Newark DE 19716-7501
Tel: (302) 831-3584  Email: john.callahan at udel.edu
http://www.dgs.udel.edu
************************************************** 



Bill Thoen wrote:
> 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
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