Biz Poll Results: Free Software or Web Applications

Monday, we started a biz poll asking, “Do you use free software or applications to run your business?”

Of those that responded, 82 percent said YES, and 18 percent said NO.

Of that 18 percent, I think a lot don’t realize the free software/applications they are already are using. If you are reading this blog in the FireFox browser or through the Google Feed Reader, you are using free software.

So far today, I have used Firefox, Google, Photofiltre (free image editor), EditPad Lite (free basic word processor), Google Reader, stock.xchng (free photo service) and imgur (free image host).

In 2009 and 2010 all Windows and Microsoft users must be prepared to invest heavily in upgrades or new license purchases. In a time when cutting costs is vital to maintaining profitability (or even staying in business) exploring non-Microsoft products might be in order.

Cost savings is what brings most into the Open Source fold – typical savings range from $700 to $2,000 per user. But business owners can benefit in several ways by using non-commercial applications including, but not limited to, cost.

A few more reasons to consider making the switch:

No Viruses: There are few viruses for Linux. Not only does this result in better overall system performance, but also saves money on antivirus software.

Peer Support: Just about every Open Source product has a vibrant support community. This ensures you get answers to known problems.

Periodic Updates: An active community also results in periodic software updates. For example, Ubuntu releases a new version every six months. Enterprise (commercial) releases are typically every 12 to 24 months.

Photo by flaivoloka.

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