<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:x="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:excel" xmlns:p="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:powerpoint" xmlns:a="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:access" xmlns:dt="uuid:C2F41010-65B3-11d1-A29F-00AA00C14882" xmlns:s="uuid:BDC6E3F0-6DA3-11d1-A2A3-00AA00C14882" xmlns:rs="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:rowset" xmlns:z="#RowsetSchema" xmlns:b="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:publisher" xmlns:ss="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:spreadsheet" xmlns:c="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:component:spreadsheet" xmlns:odc="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:odc" xmlns:oa="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:activation" xmlns:html="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40" xmlns:q="http://schemas.xmlsoap.org/soap/envelope/" xmlns:rtc="http://microsoft.com/officenet/conferencing" xmlns:D="DAV:" xmlns:Repl="http://schemas.microsoft.com/repl/" xmlns:mt="http://schemas.microsoft.com/sharepoint/soap/meetings/" xmlns:x2="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/excel/2003/xml" xmlns:ppda="http://www.passport.com/NameSpace.xsd" xmlns:ois="http://schemas.microsoft.com/sharepoint/soap/ois/" xmlns:dir="http://schemas.microsoft.com/sharepoint/soap/directory/" xmlns:ds="http://www.w3.org/2000/09/xmldsig#" xmlns:dsp="http://schemas.microsoft.com/sharepoint/dsp" xmlns:udc="http://schemas.microsoft.com/data/udc" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:sub="http://schemas.microsoft.com/sharepoint/soap/2002/1/alerts/" xmlns:ec="http://www.w3.org/2001/04/xmlenc#" xmlns:sp="http://schemas.microsoft.com/sharepoint/" xmlns:sps="http://schemas.microsoft.com/sharepoint/soap/" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:udcs="http://schemas.microsoft.com/data/udc/soap" xmlns:udcxf="http://schemas.microsoft.com/data/udc/xmlfile" xmlns:udcp2p="http://schemas.microsoft.com/data/udc/parttopart" xmlns:wf="http://schemas.microsoft.com/sharepoint/soap/workflow/" xmlns:dsss="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2006/digsig-setup" xmlns:dssi="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2006/digsig" xmlns:mdssi="http://schemas.openxmlformats.org/package/2006/digital-signature" xmlns:mver="http://schemas.openxmlformats.org/markup-compatibility/2006" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns:mrels="http://schemas.openxmlformats.org/package/2006/relationships" xmlns:spwp="http://microsoft.com/sharepoint/webpartpages" xmlns:ex12t="http://schemas.microsoft.com/exchange/services/2006/types" xmlns:ex12m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/exchange/services/2006/messages" xmlns:pptsl="http://schemas.microsoft.com/sharepoint/soap/SlideLibrary/" xmlns:spsl="http://microsoft.com/webservices/SharePointPortalServer/PublishedLinksService" xmlns:Z="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:" xmlns:st="" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 12 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Keith,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>As many have pointed out there are alternative software applications to Esri’s ArcGIS. There are a few commercial application such as MapInfo, Manifold, GeoMedia, Map3D, and more. There is also an ever growing list of open source applications such as GRASS, MapServer, OpenGeo and so on. I have over the course of my career used ArcGIS (Desktop and Server), Map 3D, and MapGuide. I have also seen MapServer, Manifold and MapInfo in action though never actually used them personally.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Some of these alternative applications such as Manifold have a desktop application and an IMS application. Others are more one function type applications. Many can be mixed and matched. Most are less expensive than Esri if you are only looking at the direct software cost. As others have pointed out though there are many other things to consider. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Is the replacement capable of providing all the functionality I need? Of course that is the first big question you must answer. If you are only using basic ArcView level tools, then I would say several of the applications listed above would work speaking strictly from a software perspective. However if you start looking at higher level functions such as topologies, networks, relationship classes, annotation, cartographic output (representations, Maplex, ArcPress and so on) , and multiuser editing, you find these require a truly multi-tiered and integrated platform that is flexible and able to easily grow to meet changing demands.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Esri’s ArcGIS suit is designed from the ground up to be a completely integrated solution that can start small and grow to meet increasing demands. With applications for desktop, server, and mobile all based on a similar architecture, you know the components will work together. This means easier and less costly implementations. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>How do I use the system? A GIS is only as good as the data and the people operating it. So if we are implementing a new system we must be able to figure out how it works, what it’s limitations are and so on. It has been my experience that documentation for Open Source applications is hit or miss. This is largely controlled by the user community and how active they are about posting their own personal experiences. So there is little guarantee you will be able to find answers to your questions. Esri has a well established support structure and a wealth of documentation available to its users. The new Resource Center is a perfect example. It provides a one-stop shop for access to up-to-date help, forums, blogs, patches, sample codes and more. This certainly makes finding answers to issues much easier. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Can I find people that know how to use and maintain the system? We know that Esri has a large user base. Just look at this email list. 90% of the questions are about how to do things using ArcGIS. This means there is a ready pool of people that know how to use the software, making it much easier to expand or find new GIS staff members. Can the same be said for other solutions? I don’t think so. This means those you can find with experience are limited and very possibly have higher salary requirements which might offset any cost savings you might have seen with the software purchase. Also how do you know what you are getting if you too are new to the software? What proof do you have that they do know what the claim to know? Esri’s new technical certifications provide some industry wide standard for proving users have some level of knowledge using Esri software. This gives those not in GIS a method to help evaluate a potential employee’s knowledge. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>If I am moving from Esri to another system, where do I get the training I need for my staff? Anytime you implement a new system, there will be a learning curve. You can generally expect between 6 to 12 months before staff is back up to speed on the new system at the same level they were with the old. Training is going to be one of the keys to getting staff up to speed. Many of the commercial software applications have training materials and even possibly an instructor network. This is not true of most of the open source applications. Even with the commercially available applications because they are not as widely used as Esri, you might have to travel to other parts of the country or pay more to have an instructor come to you. Esri, due to its large user base, as multiple training options. You can go directly through Esri and take classes online, via webinars, books or traditional instructor led classes. They also have a network of Authorized Instructors across the US. Of course many Universities, Colleges and Tech Schools also offer classes on Esri software. These multiple training options breed competition which helps keep cost down and makes it easier to educate your staff. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>Do you have any custom scripts or models? Of course if you were to migrate from Esri to another solution any of the custom scripts or automation models would have to be migrated as well. This is certainly another cost. Other things to consider with this are: Does your staff have the ability to migrate those? Does the new implementation support those functions? What API’s are available? Of course Esri’s dropping support for VBA makes this note as strong a point as some of the others since may custom applications are having to be rewritten to Python since the release of ArcGIS 10 but still something to consider. If you are using web applications, do forget about those. Does the new product support Flex, Silverlight or whatever you have your application written on? Can it provide similar output as ArcGIS Server? Remember people don’t like change. If your web application is heavily used by decision makers, they will want the new system to look and act the same. It can get very costly if you have to force a system to mimic ArcGIS Server functionality if it is not really designed to do so. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>I am sure there are many other things to consider but that is what I can come up with off the top of my head. I have tell there is a major County here in Georgia that was using a majority open source based software solution. It all worked great when those that implemented it and created the multitude of custom scripts were still there. Over the years they left and the system became harder and harder to manage. They have now decided to transition to an entirely Esri ArcGIS based system because of all the things I mentioned above. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'>So there are my 2 cents. Of course as an Esri Business Partner and Certified ArcGIS Desktop Trainer, I am a bit biased. I have however tried to express my honest opinion. Hope this is some help. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:#1F497D'>Tripp Corbin, MCP, CFM, GISP<br>Vice President, GIS/IT<br><b><a href="http://www.keckwood.com/"><span style='font-size:18.0pt'>Keck & Wood, Inc.</span></a></b><br>(678) 417-4013<br>(678) 417-4055 fax<br><br><br></span><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #B5C4DF 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'> shrug-l-bounces@lists.dep.state.fl.us [mailto:shrug-l-bounces@lists.dep.state.fl.us] <b>On Behalf Of </b>Keith Sandell<br><b>Sent:</b> Monday, April 04, 2011 6:23 PM<br><b>To:</b> shrug-l@lists.dep.state.fl.us<br><b>Subject:</b> shrug-l: ArcGIS Alternative<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Hey Shruggers,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>My purchasing department is making me do a cost benefit analysis of paying our annual maintenance to ESRI versus abandoning ESRI in favor of some other GIS software, if there is such as thing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Are there any comparable GIS suites out there that have the same, or greater, functionality as Desktop and Server 10?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>And what is there cost to replace, and implement, 2 ArcInfo concurrent use licenses, 1 ArcGIS Server Std Enterprise license and 1 EDN license?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Silly exercise, but one I have to do nonetheless.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'>Keith Sandell, MBA<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";font-variant:small-caps;color:gray'>GIS Manager, Corporate Analytics<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";font-variant:small-caps;color:gray'>Citizens Property Insurance Corporation<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";font-variant:small-caps;color:gray'>2101 Maryland Circle, Tallahassee, Florida 32303<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:5.0pt;mso-line-height-rule:exactly'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:gray'>-------------------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";color:gray'>ofc. 850.521.8341 | cell 850.727.2897</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:gray'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>"If we are to achieve results never before accomplished we must expect to employ methods never before attempted." - Francis Bacon</span></i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>