No, you miss my point in two distinct ways. $20k per server is middle of the road for a MS SQL in a big enterprise. It's on the low side for Oracle. It happens all the time; I've seen it (and argued against it.)
The other point, though, is that it's not the $2k or $20k in software costs. Really, to a big enterprise, $20k is nothing. The real problem is that it ties you down to making architectural decisions because of the cost of the software. Say you're right and you can license MS SQL for only $2k. What happens when you start partitioning your data and end up with 50 servers? Suddenly that $2k is $100k... or if you're on the enterprise plan it's $20k * 50 = $1,000,000. And I'm not speculating. I've lived thorough this scenario more than once.
Also, I object to the phrase "skimped on a LAMP stack." It's not skimping. Cost factors aside, the LAMP stack is better.
I actually do get your point. Let me paraphrase it to ensure we're on the same page:
- you have seen organizations pay $20k for SQL Server
- 50 boxes like that will cost a lot of money.
- SQL Server is actually worse than (at least one of) the free options
Here's my experience:
- I've actually purchased SQL server, bundled with the OS and all other necessary software for $2k.
- 50 boxes like that won't cost significantly more than they would with free software, if you consider the dominant cost of operating it, which is hosting fees.
- SQL Server is actually really good.
So yeah, I imagine that people overpay for SQL Server all the time, and they certainly pay a ton for Oracle. They don't need to though. Microsoft is really good at making sure that businesses use their software, and they'll find a way to price it in a way you can afford.
The other point, though, is that it's not the $2k or $20k in software costs. Really, to a big enterprise, $20k is nothing. The real problem is that it ties you down to making architectural decisions because of the cost of the software. Say you're right and you can license MS SQL for only $2k. What happens when you start partitioning your data and end up with 50 servers? Suddenly that $2k is $100k... or if you're on the enterprise plan it's $20k * 50 = $1,000,000. And I'm not speculating. I've lived thorough this scenario more than once.
Also, I object to the phrase "skimped on a LAMP stack." It's not skimping. Cost factors aside, the LAMP stack is better.