"Most of the Windows versus Unix debate has been cast
in terms of which is technically better or which is cheaper, but
the real question is, 'Under what circumstances is it smarter to
pick one technology rather than the other?'
We examine two different scenarios in an attempt to find when
it's smarter to choose Unix or Windows.
1. In scenario 1, a college administrator chooses Unix or
Windows for a 500-student system.
2. In scenario 2, the board of a 5,000-user manufacturing
company looks at that same decision.
Under each scenario, we examine some of the direct and indirect
consequences of the decision. We consider, for example, the impact
the college's decision has on parental support costs for students
as well as the more obvious costs to the college. At the
manufacturing company, we look at costs, productivity, and visit
the board's decision on the CIO's role."
