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RE: Why Aren't Open Source Tools Being Considered?
Subject:RE: Why Aren't Open Source Tools Being Considered? From:"Joe Malin" <jmalin -at- tuvox -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Date:Fri, 19 Aug 2005 10:13:44 -0700
As I've said before, it depends on the company's outlook. I'm a lone
writer at a startup, but I am an employee. The company wants to use
free, open source software whenever possible. I'd get much more
information and support using RoboHelp than I do using OHW, but RoboHelp
is expensive, and OHW is free.
I felt comfortable going with OHW cuz I know it and its engineers really
well. I've suggested it to others, but I may have to retract that
recommendation!
In short, *I* feel comfortable with Open Source because I'm a software
engineer by training and experience, and because I've worked in that
"world" for several years. Also, my company's attitude is that open
source/free software is great, even if support/documentation is sparse.
If we *really* need help, we look for a consultant. Our attitude is that
spending money on learning is much better than spending money on bits.
Open source is *not* for everyone, but I'm glad it's out there. It seems
to be the "conscience" of the industry, having an effect way beyond it's
uptake.
PS - Eric, got any snow cats cheap? How about corporate jets? :^)
Joe Malin
Technical Writer
(408)625-1623
jmalin -at- tuvox -dot- com
www.tuvox.com
The views expressed in this document are those of the sender, and do not
necessarily reflect those of TuVox, Inc.
-----Original Message-----
From: bounce-techwr-l-216553 -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:bounce-techwr-l-216553 -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf Of
eric -dot- dunn -at- ca -dot- transport -dot- bombardier -dot- com
Sent: Friday, August 19, 2005 7:20 AM
To: TECHWR-L
Cc: TECHWR-L
Subject: RE: Why Aren't Open Source Tools Being Considered?
bounce-techwr-l-106467 -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com wrote on 08/18/2005 05:36:49
PM:
> Maybe it's the fact there aren't training courses or $75 manuals that
> you can purchase for them. (Obviously, something that requires you
> spend a lot of money just to learn it must be better, right?)
Sometimes, paying a lot up front is cheaper than bleeding unknown
amounts later.
A directed installer, a known quantity as far as the software package, a
manual, and even pay as you go customer service is a known quantity and
cost.
What does it cost to install, troubleshoot, learn, and support the OS or
"free" software? Accessing user groups is free. The time spent using and
monitoring them is not.
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