Linux: Has the Train Left the Station?

Linux has been drawing attention recently, both in the media and with our clients. Linux is both a technology and a movement, so there are constant statements about Linux adoption. The discussions I’m involved in recently are notable, however.

I’m seeing two predominant themes.

The first is that, in bad economic times, the free alternative is getting traction. An IDC report claims Linux will see a marked increase in emergence, due to the economic downturn, the maturity of the OS, and market timing. The study, funded by Novell, surveyed current Linux customers and found that most plan to accelerate their adoption on both server and desktop systems, due to economic factors.

The second storyline getting traction is that the new netbook/smartbook platform will be a major win for Linux, as Microsoft is not competing well.

Gartner analysts recently reported favorably on Android’s performance on ARM, versus Windows 7 on Atom. Microsoft officials have stated they will not port Windows 7 to the ARM processor; and not lower pricing for Windows 7 on the Atom processor.

With the decade-long strategy by Linux of taking niche server markets and then taking over the desktop, many Linux proponents believe that winning this new platform will finally push Linux beyond its current 1 percent of the desktop market.

Here’s our take:

1. If it weren’t for our Platinum Partner status with Novell, we wouldn’t have numerous Certified Linux Professionals on staff. We see a bit more Linux than just SLES, but mainly in niche server platforms that are handled by client staff or the specific solution’s vendors.
2. Most of our clients have finally made the jump from NetWare to SLES or Windows, so we are seeing a bump in adoption for our remaining Novell clients.
3. Once it’s configured properly, Linux is very stable.
4. Linux is difficult to configure, compared to NetWare and especially to Windows. It’s not NetWare 7. Clients who have switched from NetWare have come up against a steep learning curve.
5. We see more “devices” at client sites and more Novell servers, but we’re just not seeing Linux on desktops in a business setting.
   

Bottom line: C/D/H is investing in our strong relationship with Novell, but like most everybody else, we’re still waiting for Linux to fulfill its promise.