[heraldgeezer]

>Half the team runs Linux, and the only real constraint is using Edge for SSO. (Firefox works too - you just have to actually log in like it's 2008.)

So everything in the backend is still MS? Office 365, Intune, the full stack? That is the point of the comment you are rerplying to.

The "terminals" dont matter that much if the goal is to get rid of MS dependancy and they run Office 365... whats the point.

[luuio]

Windows licensing cost. They are a pretty penny at large scale.

[skinkestek]

Sometimes, the goal isn’t actually to switch - it’s to have a credible threat of switching. That alone can bring Microsoft to the table with a whole new attitude toward pricing.

Munich pulled off a version of this around 2010: announce a bold move to Linux and open source, let Microsoft panic, enjoy the sudden price cuts, and quietly stay put.

Personally, I think cost is just one part of the equation. The real value is being in a position where you’re not locked in—and where Microsoft knows it. That leverage is worth more than any licensing discount.

[heraldgeezer]

For workstation or laptops?? Non-factor for a business.

It is included in Office 365 E3/E5 that also does Intune device management, apps, Defender, the whole shebang. Nobody cares about individual licence costs.

Windows Server? Yea, that costs for sure, but that's not running on laptops.