ARTICLE: Cost Cutting Tips; Viewers and Free Alternatives
One way to reduce software costs is to swap out certain applications for free, cheaper or viewer alternatives.
I don’t mean big projects like moving from Microsoft Office to OpenOffice, or swapping out your CRM or ERP system for a cheaper alternative. But small tactical swap outs that drive license savings right now and don’t take major restructuring, education or political upheavals.
The most popular example is to look at which users can be moved from Microsoft Office Professional to Standard depending on their use of Access (22% difference between Standard and Professional boxed product). The benefits for each organisation will obviously depend on individual agreements.
Discussing this process with users has been made a lot easier by the current economic climate i.e. “We are looking to save money for the company to save cutbacks elsewhere etc.” Only eighteen months ago IT staff would have faced considerable push back from users who ‘might want to use Access in the future’.
I have started to compile a list:
- Powerpoint Viewer
- Snapshot Viewer for Microsoft Access
- Visio 2007 Viewer
- MindManager Viewer or Free Alternative
- Adobe Professional Alternatives here and here
- Dreamweaver Alternatives – Kompozer or SeaMonkey
- Free ISO Burning
- Free Paintshop Alternative
- Nero CD Burning Alternative
- Opensource Alternatives to Commercial Software
If you know of any other alternatives please let me know – either by contacting me directly or posting a reply below, thanks.
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About Martin Thompson
Martin is also the founder of ITAM Forum, a not-for-profit trade body for the ITAM industry created to raise the profile of the profession and bring an organisational certification to market. On a voluntary basis Martin is a contributor to ISO WG21 which develops the ITAM International Standard ISO/IEC 19770.
He is also the author of the book "Practical ITAM - The essential guide for IT Asset Managers", a book that describes how to get started and make a difference in the field of IT Asset Management. In addition, Martin developed the PITAM training course and certification.
Prior to founding the ITAM Review in 2008 Martin worked for Centennial Software (Ivanti), Silicon Graphics, CA Technologies and Computer 2000 (Tech Data).
When not working, Martin likes to Ski, Hike, Motorbike and spend time with his young family.
Connect with Martin on LinkedIn.
Martin,
You might want to add a MS Project Viewer to you list.
Preferably a commercial one.
http://www.steelray.com/TheProjectViewerManifesto.pdf http://www.microsoftprojectviewer.com/
Kind regards,
John
Try RationalPlan Project Viewer. It works so far for us and what’s best is that it’s free compared
to Steelray.
http://www.rationalplan.com/viewer-project-management-software.php
Cheers,
Clint
Thanks for sharing Clint.
If you want a viewer for MS Project files, you find it here: http://www.projectviewercentral.com