Research by software firm Global Graphics found that 76 per cent of big firms already use some form of free application and 51 per cent intend to deploy more across the organisation in the coming 12 months.
The study also showed that Adobe Reader PDF software is the most commonly deployed piece of free software used at enterprise or departmental level, followed by Java Runtime Environment and Adobe Flash Player.
In addition, companies are making frequent use of software such as QuickTime, OpenOffice, Google Docs, Skype and Microsoft Save.
Gary Fry, chief executive of the company, commented: 'Large organisations are perfectly prepared to use free software where possible, and upgrade to a full paid-for version of the product where it makes sense for them.'
Earlier this month, IT industry analyst Gartner claimed that IT budgets for this year will be held at their 2009 value.
The study also showed that Adobe Reader PDF software is the most commonly deployed piece of free software used at enterprise or departmental level, followed by Java Runtime Environment and Adobe Flash Player.
In addition, companies are making frequent use of software such as QuickTime, OpenOffice, Google Docs, Skype and Microsoft Save.
Gary Fry, chief executive of the company, commented: 'Large organisations are perfectly prepared to use free software where possible, and upgrade to a full paid-for version of the product where it makes sense for them.'
Earlier this month, IT industry analyst Gartner claimed that IT budgets for this year will be held at their 2009 value.
