A company needs to implement a web server. The first alternative is the Windows IIS and the second is a Linux server with Apache. The company has always used Microsoft products, so the system administrators are trained on these products exclusively
Microsoft implementation
• Product cost: Windows Web Server 2008, $469.00 annual license (Internet-facing web server only)
• Training: $4795 for intense 7-day course
• Cost of personnel time: $100 per hour
• Support: MS Software Assurance, updates and support, 25% of license cost annually
Red Hat Linux/Apache implementation
• License costs: Red Hat Enterprise Linux, standard subscription, $799 annual license
• Training: Red Hat Linux systems administration, 4 days, $2498; Apache and secure web server administration, 4 days, $2398
• Cost of personnel time: $100 per hour
• Support: Updates and 12x5 and web support included
Support: Updates and 12x5 and web support included
Initially, three administrators are trained for each system. Turnover will result in one additional administrator being trained each year. A course day is 8 hours.
Assume all costs will not be affected by inflation; compare the two alternatives over 3 years of each implementation. Would your answer change if the company web server was a critical asset for the company to conduct its business? Why or why not?