ZDNet: Freedom of Choice--A Software Right

"The same argument applies to IT spending. If your business is in the market for new IT products, there are two lessons to take away from the Munich deal.

"First, you should demand that companies like Microsoft sell you only what you need. If you don't need the Excel spreadsheet for every desktop user, don't buy it. If you don't want to upgrade your software every three years, negotiate another arrangement.

"Second, consider adopting technology such as Java or Linux and move away from proprietary vendors altogether. The beauty of open source code like Linux, or technology such as Java, is that they are built to open standards and you automatically get choice and freedom without begging for it. Not surprisingly, this has lead to a broad range of commercial products that are solid alternatives to Microsoft..."

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