Switching To Linux (2): The Top 10 Reasons To Switch To Linux

1. Lower Total Cost of Ownership
Independent TCO studies clearly back the Linux operating system as the most cost effective platform available on the market. Although paid third party reports contest this fact, they tend to compare the costs of non-analogous systems. The fact is that Linux’s Total Cost of Ownership is significantly less than a Windows™ system. This is not only based on the fact that the major Linux distributions are less expensive, but also on the fact that hardware costs, software costs, support, and administration trend lower with Linux. Independent research suggests that network administration on Linux is several times more efficient, while software costs are a fraction of those on monopoly platforms. Independent studies also suggest significant cost advantages based on productivity gains due to Linux’s renowned stability and security.

2. Premier Security
The Linux operating system has a proven record of security. Linux security is so high
because of the way in witch Linux was developed. The development of Linux was based
on the needs and concerns of the programmers and system administrators who were
creating and would use the operating system. Unlike other operating systems,
marketing and sales departments were not pushing new features and products that
would look good in press releases and advertising but expose users to security risks.
Instead, the Open Source programmers involved with developing Linux focused on
creating the most secure and robust operating system for programmers and systems
administrators. Organizations such as the U.S. Department of Defense have moved
thousands of desktops to Linux precisely because of security concerns with other
operating systems.

3. Highest Reliability
The Linux operating system was designed and developed to process complex and timeconsuming operations. Due to this development background, Linux uses a computer’s
hardware resources more intelligently than other operating systems. It’s extremely
difficult to overload the computer’s hardware so as a result Linux crashes much less
than standard operating systems. Linux also runs well on older hardware due to this
efficient use of processor power. Linux’s reliability also lessens the need for regular administrative duties and allows systems administrators to keep more computers up and running at any one time. Updates are much easier and, in the majority of cases, can be done without the need to restart the operating system. All this together makes Linux the most reliable and robust system available for computer users.

4. Avoiding Vendor Lock In
One of the biggest advantages of the Linux operating system is the independence that
Open Source status delivers to the system. On a monopolist platform, each company
can be held to ransom over mission critical business needs. Deliberate and needless
integration of products on a monopolist platform forces companies to pay for products
and services unnecessary to their business. On an Open Source platform, each
company can negotiate for the best possible cost and support from a range of vendors.
In addition to this, the ability of Linux to be deployed in different hardware environments frees company from the need to buy expensive proprietary hardware, as in some UNIX and SUN systems. Wider range of choices prevents monopolist prices and improves organizations bottom line.

5. Ease of Migration
The migration process for the Linux servers does not necessarily means a complete
transformation in an organization’s infrastructure and systems. Current hardware can
still be used with Linux and, in fact, migrating to Linux tends to extend the useful life of current hardware because of Linux’s more efficient use of processor power. Data and documents painlessly translate to the Linux system, while email transfer works flawlessly. Migration can also allow proprietary applications to run on top of the Linux operating system, whether on desktops or on servers. Heterogeneous transitional systems can maintain critical systems while offering the benefits of Linux’s lower costs, reliability, and security. Depending on the volume of computers and systems requirements, migrations can occur in a matter of weeks. For critical applications a migration can be executed through a step-by-step schedule, testing all the way through to set a reliable and secure environment.

credits:www.alacos.com

to be continued...