Posted by: Anonymous Coward
on June 01, 2002 02:41 AM
TCO is but one of the criteria. Itīs certainly better than just comparing face values, yet it can be tricky to explore all the implications in cost. For instance, any enterprise wants a "power" position when negotiating. Thus, it follows, itīs not sound to promote monopolies. This "future cost" of strenghtening a monopoly is difficult to assess.
Other factors play important roles, too. Sometimes itīs important to have different systems, e.g. for study purposes.
And, perhaps more importantly, thereīs the financing factor. Whatever option is chosen, it must be paid somehow, either "in cash" (in advance) or along the time. Some people or organisations cannot afford a big initial payment, even if the selected option has a lower TCO. Although, in theory, it would possible to get a loan at a fair rate to make the purchase, the reality of life or management conveniences now and then prevents this from happening.
One final personal comment, if I may, everybody seems to like choice, choice is good etc. I would more precisely say that "power to choose" is good. For example, Ferrari wants to sell cars; I could choose to buy one, except for the fact I donīt have the money; also, had I the money, what if change my mind and decide for a Mercedes? How easy can I recover the money spent on the Ferrari?
This also applies to the Linux or Windows decision. Instead of just examining TCO, which is important by any measure, I would think about CTDO: the Cost of Trying and Deciding Otherwise.
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TCO is...
Posted by: Anonymous Coward on June 01, 2002 02:41 AMOther factors play important roles, too. Sometimes itīs important to have different systems, e.g. for study purposes.
And, perhaps more importantly, thereīs the financing factor. Whatever option is chosen, it must be paid somehow, either "in cash" (in advance) or along the time. Some people or organisations cannot afford a big initial payment, even if the selected option has a lower TCO. Although, in theory, it would possible to get a loan at a fair rate to make the purchase, the reality of life or management conveniences now and then prevents this from happening.
One final personal comment, if I may, everybody seems to like choice, choice is good etc. I would more precisely say that "power to choose" is good. For example, Ferrari wants to sell cars; I could choose to buy one, except for the fact I donīt have the money; also, had I the money, what if change my mind and decide for a Mercedes? How easy can I recover the money spent on the Ferrari?
This also applies to the Linux or Windows decision. Instead of just examining TCO, which is important by any measure, I would think about CTDO: the Cost of Trying and Deciding Otherwise.
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