I read with interest your coverage of Newham Council choosing Microsoft over Linux. Putting aside the ongoing debate about the benefits or otherwise of Linux, I would simply like to observe that the key lesson from Newham is to always perform an evaluation of Linux for any planned large-scale IT project.
If the study does not show the potential long-term benefit of improved security and flexibility, it can always be used to obtain previously unheard of discounts from the Microsoft sales team.
Whichever way you read these events, Linux clearly does help to significantly cut costs.
