It would be interesting to learn if FN Manufacturings financial modeling of OpenOffice.org versus Microsoft Office included softer, more intangible costs (“Selective OpenOffice Deployment,” Oct. 24).
The potential savings could quickly erode if you factor in help desk complexity introduced by supporting multiple platforms; client services costs due to additional PC images supported; and productivity hits to employees having to endure product incompatibilities, both internally and with business partners.
Jeff Maurer
Senior Director, Information Technology
Infocus