Accelerating Linux

Leveraging Linux has resulted in "big dollar savings" for Mahaffeys', Walls says. "We get UNIX-like functionality for our departmental server without having to spend $50,000 to $60,000 for it," he asserts. "We spent a fraction of that using Linux.

"Plus, with the exception of our SMP 108GB OPI server, we're using borderline-obsolete Intel and Alpha hardware, which has saved us money," Walls adds. "Our 18GB FTP server was built from some used parts and a few new ones for about $300. The OS and FTP software cost us a grand total of 80 cents for a blank CD—and, actually, that cost is divided across multiple machines." He calculates that Mahaffeys' has saved $6,000 in OS licenses alone.