LinuxWorld: A Strategic Comparison of Windows vs. Unix, version 2.0

“This article compares the Microsoft client/server architecture
to the Unix approach in terms of systems decisions facing a
university faculty. To put this in context, imagine that you are
being interviewed for a job as the faculty’s systems manager. The
chairman of the selection committee asks you to come in to discuss
whether the faculty would be better served if it went all-Linux
instead of staying all-Microsoft.

“Notice that you’re not being asked the traditional ‘which is
cheaper?’ question. Most people have little trouble figuring out
that free is cheaper than not-free. What the committee members seek
is something to help them reach a judgment about you and maybe some
validation as to what they were thinking when they put you on their
short list. They won’t be evaluating your grasp of the facts. At
this stage, they’ll be looking for indicators of your behavior and
attitudes. Are you a leader or a follower? Do you understand what
drives the people and structures in their organization? Do you
care? Does your strategic vision of computing align with their
needs? What kind of risks would they be taking if they voted to
offer you the job…?”

Complete
Story