IBM says Linux is cheaper to run

IBM has sponsored its own independent research into the total cost of ownership of Linux-based server systems, when compared with Microsoft Windows and Sun’s Solaris operating systems.

The research, conducted by the Robert Frances Group, found that the TCO of Linux was 40% less expensive than a comparable x86-based Windows solution, and 54% less than a comparable SPARC-based Solaris solution.

The figures are based on a three-year period of ownership for a system supporting 100,000 operations per second using industry benchmarks for testing.

Robert Frances put together the figures after conducting 20 in-depth interviews with IT staff using a range of Linux, Windows and Solaris systems at medium- to large-sized companies employing over 250 people.

Microsoft is currently promoting its own independent research which claims to show that Windows is cheaper to run.