Which enterprise Linux to choose?

Feb 04, 2009, 17:03 (0 Talkback[s])
(Other stories by David M Williams)

"Reasons business should evaluate Linux for a server platform include freedom from vendor lock-in. Linux is controlled by no one person or corporation. It can't die because its source code is freely available for use by anyone.

"Even if you used (say) Ubuntu Linux at home and Canonical decided to shut their doors forever. You would not be at risk: because the operating system has been made available for the scrutiny, typing up or general inspection of others. I think I can say with 100% confidence that someone would pick up the project and bring Ubuntu back to life.

"Linux is a terrific example of open source in practice because of this. In fact, Linux has been chosen as the platform upon which VMWare's ESX server is built, as well as products by Cisco. Nevertheless, business users need more than just a bare metal operating system. Here's where the money comes into it, and how a company like Red Hat -- who give away all their source code -- manage to be profitable."

Complete Story

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