Especially for IT people old enough to remember when IBM or Digital or Sperry was that safe choice the CEO trusted. Trouble is, there never has been an easy way to overcome a CEO's fear of new or different technology. It takes hard work, hard numbers and a solid business case and that still may not persuade the boss to launch even a pilot project. But there are a few things that definitely won't encourage a gun-shy boss to try something like Linux. Don't sing the praises of Linux's internationally distributed development process the fact that Linux's programmers are scattered across the globe.
Nervous bosses like to know exactly where to turn when there's a problem.
Instead, find a single consulting outfit that can be hired to be your Linux support. No finger-pointing, no confusion just one number to call when there's trouble. That's what makes executives feel better. Tempting as it might be, don't wax enthusiastic about how often Linux revisions and bug fixes arrive. Upgrades, revisions and patches still mean downtime and they sound expensive to a nervous boss.