December 3, 2002 -- (WEB HOST INDUSTRY REVIEW) -- In an effort to work against the free Linux-based server software offerings presenting it with direct competition, computing platform developer Microsoft Corp. (Microsoft.com) released the results of a study this week that indicates Windows 2000 is generally cheaper to run and support.

The survey, commissioned by Microsoft and conducted by research organization IDC, suggests that operating a server based on free Linux software can end up costing businesses more than Windows server software because of personnel costs necessary for the maintenance of the servers.

The total cost of a server system would include the hardware, software and support, said the report, which looked at the cost of supporting an operating platform over a period of time.

Conducted earlier this year, the study surveyed IT managers from 104 North American companies on the total money spent on Linux- and Windows-based server systems.

While servers based on Windows 2000 were cheaper to own and operate when used for networking, storing and sharing files, printing and security, said the study, Linux servers were cheaper to operate when used for Web hosting.