Linux takes diverse routes to business success, Oct 11, 2002

Demand for Linux is stronger than ever, say the companies pushing open source software at this year's Linux Expo UK. But one size does not fit all

Linux still has some way to go at the high end, but at least it's now able to do make that journey, thanks to the availability of applications like these and to the work its developers to improve the OS' stability and, more importantly, its scalability. Linux could never seriously challenge Unix until these elements were in place.

Day after day since 1984, teams of programmers, linguists, theologians, mathematicians and philosophers have plugged away at a $60 million project they hope will transform human existence: teaching a computer common sense.

Lenat's team taught Cyc to make sure everything it was told conformed with everything it already knew -- a protection that should keep Cyc from being filled with erroneous information during its public education, which for now is possible only on computers with the Linux operating system.

This paper version of "Scared Straight" may shake the managers out of their Microsoft comfort zone (if it hasn't already) and make them more receptive to listening to alternative ideas, but don't expect it to do all the work for you. You may want to suggest trying a test bed solution for Linux/OSS adoption with one team or department in your company first, so the real benefits can be seen with managements' own eyes.

Critics and Linux supporters alike formerly believed that most enterprise customers had already settled on their infrastructures and weren't willing to rip out and replace their Unix or Windows systems in favor of experimental, open-source software, especially in these uncertain times. They were mistaken. Enterprises such as Home Depot, Shell and Cisco Systems are embracing the open-source OS and technology firms such as IBM, which pledged $1 billion to build its Linux business, have started to support the movement in earnest. Now, Linux servers have penetrated the ranks of corporate America's servers. Analyst firm IDC says Linux is poised for "a breakout year" and has become a viable alternative for the enterprise. IDC analyst Mark Melenovsky says Linux has become the second-largest OS for new Intel-based server deployments, replacing Novell's NetWare.

Kapiti Cheese is integrating its manufacturing and financial operations and putting the lot on Linux.

Bird says QAD, which has a New Zealand office, recommended Linux, and the fact that it was free was also attractive. "It has started to be quite widely used in the market."

The number of Linux servers at U.S. companies is growing quickly, faster than Windows servers and Unix licenses, which have become a smaller percentage of the overall server market. Sure, Linux's growth is from a smaller installed base than that of older operating systems. But where's it coming from?

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