In contrast with state governments, which don't seem to be doing much with open source software even in a time of economic strain, corporate technology buyers are serious about using open source to try to cut costs. At least that's what the results of a small poll conducted by OpenLogic indicate.

Market Watch reported Wednesday that the open source software provider asked enterprise IT buyers participating in a recent Webinar if and how open source software is playing a role in the way they are navigating the recessionary economy. More than 80 percent of those surveyed said they would like to replace their proprietary application servers or Web servers with open source alternatives to save money. Sixty-seven percent said they would do the same with their databases if given the chance.

Speaking about the findings, OpenLogic marketing VP Kim Weins noted:

What we found in our small poll is consistent with what we see in the marketplace -- that a vast majority of enterprises are taking a hard look at expanding their open source usage... More than 75 percent of enterprises have already started or are seriously considering expanding their open source usage to help save money.