It's quite possible that if you're looking at this page, you are thinking about using Linux somewhere in your business, but you're not sure how, or what's involved. For many, adopting a new technology can be a difficult hurdle without some idea of what that new technology requires. At Powder River Technologies, Inc. (PRT), we can help you make an informed decision about adopting Linux into your business, and put together the project and plan to get you there.

For example, suppose you are a small business or microenterprise owner, and have several laptops and desktops that you would like to connect together to a central server, as shown in the image to the right. Some of the topics or features that you might be thinking of are: centralized file systems for a controlled backup of your company files, a connection to the Internet, an email server, a database, and an internal webserver. In addition to this list may be the two biggest topics that would worry you: How much will this cost, and what am I missing?

Linux can be a good solution if you have someone helping you that knows Linux, and how to tie Linux in with other operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows or standard versions of UNIX. Certainly, the cost savings can be substantial. For example, using the prices from the Microsoft website, an installation of 10 desktops, a server, email and web services, a database, and connections to the Internet could cost $20,000 or more, depending on your configuration. Hardware servers from Sun Microsystems can cost $8,000 to $12,000 depending on the configuration, and software package costs add up quickly. However, as an example, the cost of a Linux system can be as low as approximately $1,500 for a PC to be used as the server, and approximately $165 for Red Hat Linux 9.0.

There are other costs involved, of course, and PRT consultants can help you determine whether Linux is a solution that would work for you. We can work with you to determine what kind of networking solution would meet your needs, and grow with you as your business grows. We have experience integrating Linux into our own network, and can bring that expertise to you.

If you are ready to talk about Linux, and want help from experienced professionals, then call Powder River Technologies, Inc. today at 303-670-8666, or use our Contact page.