cutting the total cost of ownership

Ok I am wieghing my options. M.S 2000 sever running SQL 6.61 for a data server cost 901.04 + 561.19
VS linux red hat 7.2 professional sever running Samba for a data server 197.00 and free.

I real don’t know how well ms office data will store onSamba or even if it will. I know if you delete office 2000 and you have word.docs you still have the data.
Why can’t I store that same data on a linux server?
I guess the only way is by trail and error.

If anyone know anything about linux or Samba please fill free to write.