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Much like Odysseus-who had to negotiate perils between Scylla and Charybdis-IT managers face daunting challenges. On one side, there is relentless pressure to cut costs. On the other lies an unending demand for innovative solutions. However, unlike Odysseus, IT managers must not simply avoid either fate: Instead, they must fulfill both quests.To meet these seemingly disparate goals, IT organizations are increasingly investigating the use of open source software for its cost-effectiveness and flexibility. However, myths about open source software persist-for example, that it runs only on Linux or that it is not stable enough for demanding production environments. Dispelling those myths, leading companies such as Amazon.com and Google rely on open source software, and many more companies will make the switch in the years ahead.Succeeding with Open Source is the first book written specifically for IT managers who need to evaluate, select, and use open source software. The author begins with the fundamentals of open source solutions and how they differ greatly from commercial software. He then introduces the Open Source Maturity Model (OSMM), an invaluable resource for assessing open source products for their production readiness.Highlights include: Assessing open source business models Managing risk, including licensing issues Evaluating and selecting open source software Locating and assessing technical support, training, and documentation resourcesWith the book's fast-track summary format, readers can quickly and easily navigate the text and its real-world examples. Open source OSMM evaluation templates, as well as additional case studies, are available at www.navicasoft.com.Whether you are an IT manager or a consultant responsible for advising clients, this book will help you steer a clear course through the open source sea.