Did Microsoft software got too expensive that even the French government couldn't afford it anymore? Not that they really couldn't, but they are soon switching to open-source software because they're thinking Microsoft stuff is a waste of money.

Beginning June 2007, the French government would require members of parliament and their staff to use desktops and servers running on Linux, Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and OpenOffice.org. The latter is currently in version 2.0.4, and in direct competition to Microsoft Office System.

Given the nature of open-source software, it looks like their government would indeed save some money because of the switch. However, some software research groups are advising that it may prove to be costly as well. "There has been some evidence that companies have to spend a good deal on training and support after you deploy the operating system," explains Chris Swenson, Director of Software Industry Analysis for NPD.

The total cost, Swenson added, would be dependent on which flavor of Linux the French are planning to use. "If you buy your software from a Linux vendor, you obviously have to pay for licenses, support, and maintenance. The average company or organization can probably save some money by switching to Linux, but deploying software from an established Linux vendor certainly isn't free," argues Swenson.