title: How much it costs to choose .NET over the open source such us Java, Struts, etc
body: <p>Two of my colleagues (and very good friends) have worked for years in Java, PHP, MYSQL, Tomcat, Struts, and the list go really on and on. I'm (the only one who chose the .NET framework). Now, our manager has convinced our boss to invest on us and some other who are willing to go through the process. So far, battles (them vs me) to convince other which framework (.Net - other free framework) has been pointless. Now, my friends have a new argument: <strong>.NET is not free</strong>.</p>
  
  <p><strong>I'd like to know how much it cost to choose .NET over the other (for instance, Java, Struts, TomCat, etc...</strong>). I'm not talking about which technology is better, but how much .NET would cost. So far, all the cost of learning was related to the purchase of my books (Visual studio Express is free).</p>
  
  <p>By the way: If .NET is not free why people are still using it. Or, only big companies can use .NET???</p>
  
  <p>Thanks for helping. </p>