Posted by Brad Pauly on 06/27/05 21:08

On 6/26/05, Rick Emery <rick@emery.homelinux.net> wrote:
> My employer has (finally) decided to take full advantage of our
> intranet, and wants to move from client-server applications to
> web-based applications. To that end, we're trying to determine the best
> platform for our applications. We're a Microsoft shop, with Microsoft
> SQL Server 2000 for all of our databases (that won't change any time
> soon, if ever). Due to past experience that I won't get into, we (the
> Development group) have all agreed that ASP.Net is out (at least for
> the short term).
>
> We had the opportunity to visit a local enterprise that has deployed
> ColdFusion, and they couldn't stop singing its praises. I'm partial to
> PHP, even after sampling Coldfusion, so what I would like is some
> "ammunition" that I can take into a meeting to "sell" management on PHP
> instead of ColdFusion. I've already been harping on the difference in
> cost, so I'm looking for other points to go with. Besides, we'll
> probably invest in Zend products if we choose PHP, and Macromedia has
> government rates available; I don't have any numbers (yet), but the
> cost difference may not be that great in the end.
>
> Any input would be greatly appreciated. Opinions are welcome
> (especially from programmers with experience in both), but I have to
> "sell" it to management (I'm already on the PHP side), so links to data
> or articles comparing the two are best.

It might not be easy to put a number on, but consider your (and
possibly the other developers') enthusiasm about PHP. I would guess
that you will be more productive with something that you are excited
about.

I have done a lot of work in both ColdFusion and PHP and I much prefer
PHP. There are some technical reasons (i.e., I like "shared nothing"),
but some of it is also personal preference. I just like it. CF is fine
and I don't think it's dead, but it just isn't as fun to work with. My
biggest problem with CF is probably that I have to use it on Windows
and, well, I really don't like that. ;) You mention being in a Windows
environment so maybe you don't have a choice with that aspect.

If management can see that you are stoked to use PHP that might help your cause.

- Brad

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