ZDNet UK: How to Introduce Linux Into the Enterprise

“With its connection to IBM, Linux has been making significant
inroads into the enterprise. While there are still questions about
its support infrastructure and other deployment issues, the feeling
among CIOs is that Linux can be counted on in large-scale
deployments, especially in applications that demand extremely fast
number crunching. However, Linux proponents at the CIO level must
be politically savvy (and technically skilled) when introducing
Linux into the enterprise. The reality is that Linux–and other
open-source approaches–operate under a microscope. The executives
looking through the microscope in many cases will be non-technical
CEOs or CFOs who are sceptical about trusting vital applications to
the open-source model.

“If open-source advocates are not prepared, that scepticism
could become a problem. CIOs should remember that CFOs and CEOs
don’t care about operating systems, nor do they have an emotional
investment in the open-source model. They care about reliability
and cost. “The thing about evangelists is that they often get
martyred and burned at the stake,” said one high-level IT executive
who wished to remain anonymous. Let’s take a look at where Linux
stands today and at the measures you can take to implement it if
you feel your organisation could benefit…”

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