Its a common beleif that the reason, open source is able to thrive is "cost".Well this survey result says otherwise.

Excerpts:
Computer Economics recently conducted a survey of visitors to its website regarding the perceived advantages in the use of open source software. Although not a scientific sample, the results are nevertheless startling.

One might think, that the key advantage of open source software is its low cost of ownership. But visitors to our website didn't think so.

Open Source Does Have Advantages
Our survey offered respondents a choice of five advantages for open source.

• Lower total cost of ownership
• Reduced dependence on software vendors
• Easier to customize
• Higher level of security
• Do not see a significant advantage