Hi John 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!
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. 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 'What is all this FOSS about'<http://images.autodesk.com/emea_nw_w_main/files/autodesk_open_day_25th_october_2006.ppt>- 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) 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... HTH Mike On 07/01/07, John Mitchell <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Hi, 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? Thanks, -- John J. Mitchell
