Comparisions of Using FOSS

Advantages

• Cost - Most FOSS Applications can be used without having to pay for a licence. How ever will require additional training if your workforce has been only trained in propritary products. The inherent stability of Linux for example can also offer further cost savings by you not requiring additional Anti-virus software.

• Freedom - By using a product which is licensed using a GPL or Similar you are given certain freedoms which you would not given using propriatary software. http://www.fsf.org/working-together/

• Growth - Once you have established a FOSS IT Strategy, the fact that the software often does not require licensing means very rapid deployments can be obtained, also using facilities such as virtualization or thin clients become equally attractive. 

Reasons to use Linux

http://www.techsolusa.com/linuxbetterforsmallbusiness.html

Disadvantages

• Compatibility - If your office and customers rely heavily on your documents being presented in a propriatary format such as Microsoft Word, translation can be time consuming.

• Change - Training will be required to overcome the change management for people to feel comfortable using a FOSS alternative, also to overcome the perceived disadvantage of not using a paid for product.