Of course, this is a largely a US issue. But it raises a valid point. It's possible to set up an NT server almost entirely with Microsoft software, or a Sun server with Sun software. Any Linux system will include software maintained by hundreds of volunteer groups, each of which will have a changing composition, agenda, timescale and attitude. Despite the acknowledged speed of response of the Linux community many managers are as unhappy with the idea of a distributed volunteer development community as they are with a distributed workforce.
Managers tend to like centralisation.
Support is Not an Issue A lack of vendor technical support is the usual managerial reason given for not considering Linux. IBM, HP, Dell and others selling preinstalled Linux boxes do provide support for their systems. IBM provides third party support as well as supporting its own boxes. Linuxcare has been set up entirely to provide support while all the major Linux distributors earn a living by providing support. If you need it.