Linux for the Enterprise

But what about support?
Linux is arguably the best supported, most secure and stable server operating system available today (with the exception of large mainframe operating systems). With every major Server manufacturer now supporting Linux on their equipment, it is no longer just a hacker's operating system. Complete, professional support is now available on the various distributions, and while your favorite hardware vendor may not support your favorite distribution on their equipment, rest assured that someone does.

I heard that Linux doesn't scale for the Enterprise
Linux is far more scalable today than it was even just a year ago- with the release of the 2.4 kernel, it can scale easily to 16 or more processors, several Terabytes of RAM and essentially unlimited hard drive storage. Today, Linux has stepped out of the shadows of the data center, and taken center stage in the enterprise network. In addition to "traditional" peripheral functions like e-mail gateways, Linux has made a serious move toward the enterprise in functionality from Intrusion Detection Systems to network management and monitoring.

But what about application support?
More applications are ported to Linux every day. Even top tier application suites like Oracle, DB/2 and Informix have now been running on Linux servers for several years. Some companies are dropping support for proprietary Unix operating systems in favor of Linux (support for Unify databases is being discontinued for SCO OpenServer, with Linux being offered as the alternative). As more applications are ported and supported, the likelihood that whatever makes your datacenter run is or will soon be ported as well.

What does this mean for our datacenter?
It means that you are free to step off the "License Treadmill". Free to stop paying huge license fees for client access to your enterprise servers. It means that you are back in control of what makes your enterprise run- no more forced upgrades (remember the old phase "if it isn't broken, don't fix it?!). Now you can decide what and when to upgrade, rather than be forced to by threats of discontinued support for your enterprise systems.

I keep hearing about Linux on the desktop...
The idea of Linux on the user desktop is not a new one. It has a number of attractions, not the least of which is related to the "License Treadmill" referenced above. We believe that Linux is ready for the desktop in many situations: If your office staff need an office suite (read more about Linux/ Open Source office suites here) , web browser etc, and don't need any Windows® specific applications (i.e. vertical market applications etc. written specifically and only for Windows®), Linux may be a good move for your enterprise desktops. This needs to be a carefully thought out decision, with an equally well thought out implementation plan- people are creatures of habit, and habits are hard to change. A windows-to-linux migration of your company's desktop systems will create a much more manageable network for your IT team, but the costs can certainly outweigh the benefits of such a move if it is not done properly and carefully. However, properly done, the benefits of going "Open Source" throughout your business are great. Imagine never paying another license fee, or having to worry about another license audit of your desktop systems!