(Kristen Caretta - Associate Editor, SearchCIO-Midmarket) In tough times, the "free" price tag of open source software is too good for some CIOs to pass by without at least a second glance. But it can be buyer beware: Despite short-term cost benefits, open source applications require sufficient IT staffing resources for the long term to keep up with code changes.

For many CIOs, open source applications have been part of the infrastructure for a while, often as part of tactical projects. But with competitive pricing for enterprise editions and incredible flexibility, some CIOs are now looking strategically at open source options for everything from phone systems to operating systems.

The aggressive rates of the products are catching the attention of midmarket CIOs looking to cut expenses, but Rob Enderle, principal analyst at Enderle Group in San Jose, Calif., advises CIOs to proceed with caution and not overlook the staff resources needed to install and maintain open source tools, which might not include the application support that's standard with other applications. Without sufficient support, any issues will fall in the hands of the IT staff, which may or may not be familiar with the applications.

"Everyone is thinking, 'cut, cut, cut.' CIOs may save some cash in the short term, but if they don't have the necessary resources to support their decisions, they will end up shooting themselves in the foot," Enderle said.