The buzz about Linux A lthough Linux can be considered to represent a relatively old operating system since its initial development occurred almost a decade ago the buzz factor about this OS is a relatively recent phenomenon. Essentially there are two 'camps' with different thoughts concerning the use of Linux in a corporate environment. One camp, perhaps consisting of persons with either a bigger risk tolerance or without the requirement to support a 24 รฐ 7 operation are willing to give both Linux-based workstations and servers a try. The second 'camp' consists of persons that view support as being as critical as a server's operational capability. Persons in this camp appear to be less willing to try Linux due to the difficulty in obtaining trained and experienced support personnel. Which camp is correct concerning their view of Linux? Perhaps both are correct, although persons in the second camp might consider a bit of experimentation. Let me explain.
Like Sgt. Friday of Dragnet fame let's examine the facts. One key fact is that Linux provides a low-cost solution for a variety of applications from a Web server platform to providing e-mail, file, and print services. A second fact is the recent exponential growth in the installation of Linux-based systems. A third fact which can be easily verified by a scan of most trade publications is the substantial increase in the number of hardware and software vendors announcing support for Linux. Unfortunately, the recent growth in the use of Linux results in another fact that network managers and LAN administrators must carefully consider. That fact is that it is relatively difficult, if not impossible, to obtain trained and experienced Linux operating system support personnel.
The lack of readily available Linux support results in a quandary. That is, is it worth paying $50 per Linux OS CD to save a $400 to $1000 Windows NT or UNIX license fee while taking the chance that your existing personnel can obtain a sufficient degree of familiarity with the OS to solve problems as they occur? As an alternative, should you consider signing a support contract with one of a growing handful of Linux support organizations? Concerning the latter, unlike long-established support firms that have a significant staff of trained personnel, the relatively recent growth in the use of Linux results in a level of support that sometimes appears to be no better than you could obtain by reading the electronic manual bundled with the Linux distribution CD. Thus, returning to our potential quandary the solution may actually represent the manner by which we evaluated and implemented other 'new' operating systems to include several versions of Windows. That is, instead of placing Linux in a critical server production environment, start slow, with ancillary services whose failure is a bit more tolerable. For example, some backend databases and e-mail for non-critical domains may represent a good starting point for using the technology and having employees obtain the degree of operational experience necessary to provide a comfortable internal level of support as you consider placing more critical systems on Linux-based platforms. As my local Macon TV announcer would say, 'That's my opinion -what's yours?' -Gilbert Held