10 Reasons to use Linux for Enterprise Business

For a year now the information technology sector has been suffering under the global economic recession. At this juncture, setting up a network system for any organization could be highly expensive.

Linux is an open source OS and edges over it arch rival Windows in several instances when it comes to business.

Apart from the fact that they are generally free, Linux is more secure, reliable and customizable than other proprietary counterparts. Some of the most renowned companies in the world, including the bigshots like Amazon, Google, and Yahoo, run their servers with Linux rather than Windows.

Linux is also advocated world wide, as it is an Operating System that has a complete range of suitable applications. Linux distributions come with free web browsers and email clients. In addition, Linux support different efficient, free Office suites like Star Office and Open Office that includes essential productivity applications - Word Processing, Spreadsheet and Database. Let's have a deeper insight whether Linux is a better solution for enterprise business.

1. Saving on Initial outlay

Linux is a free Operating system. Linux is free to use and doesn't levy any charges for the rights of using it. The only cost that you need for running Linux is the cost you need to pay to the IT experts. There are no licenses required for OpenOffice.

There excellent Linux distributions like Fedora, CentOS, and Ubuntu with slightly different feature sets beyond the core system. Some of the distributions can also be canned with e-commerce solutions, printed manuals and phone support options.

2.  Open source software

Since Linux is an open source code, it can be customized according to the requirements of the company. In order to make changes in the system you can take he help of developers. Again there are thousands of people in the forums who are experts on the subjects. Some of them may even write the software for you.

3. Scalability

Systems under Linux can be cloned several times without any additional software licensing fee. The enterprise business can save on the additional cost for implementation in networking set up.

4. Better hardware utilization

Linux uses the hardware more efficiently than most of the other Operating Systems. With Linux you can run a file server for 20 people on a Pentium 4 machine without any performance issues. This would considerably reduce the cost of hardware and consume less energy for running the servers.

5. Security

Undoubtedly, Linux is the ace when it comes to network security. Linux has a negligible threat of infection by viruses, Trojans, worms, spyware and other malware.

6. Support

The companies relying on Linux is backed up by relative excellence of the support it provides for revenue. For people new to Linux, the quality of free technical support on the forums and internet might be surprising.
The ISVs can reap a host of advantages from Linux.  Companies can benefit from their user and developer communities.

Any user with a particular concern or requirement might access to the individual developer which would result in more rapid and responsive support. In  case the support isn't good enough, the user can always download the software free.

7. Additional facilities

Apart from the system utility tools from Unix world, Linux is usually accompanied by Apache Webserver, an email server, router/firewall capabilities and SQL databases. These are a an added advantage for any web development enterprise.

8.  More Compatible

Linux is POSIX Compliant that implies Linux can be operated on other POSIX compliant Unix derivatives. Moreover, it would require minimal reworking.

9. Multiple Source for Software

Linux is not a single source software like Windows and distributed by several companies. This allows the enterprises to select the Linux distribution  that suits their needs. For the enterprises requiring more stability CentOS is a secured option.  Where as those requiring desktop environment with updated software can go for Fedora.

10 . Rapid Advancement

Linux distributions are in the continuous process of development. Especially, Fedora comes with frequent upgrades. However, CentOS is more stable and server-oriented Linux distribution. Linux has realized quantum advances in a short time
Some of the major factors helping in Linux's advancement are

• The increasing number of active highly skilled developers
• Short development cycle from development team to the end user
• Quantity and quality of feedback from the users and field
• No corporate meddling in the design process
• Independently developed open source subsystems frequently incorporated into Linux