Linux/Open Source applications are gaining traction in virtually every vertical market and continent because of low costs to deploy, robust security, high flexibility and scalability, and a plethora of quality system and application software that is actively developed and supported by a worldwide community of Open Source developers.

The value proposition for businesses is simple: sites can use the features and functions of Linux/Open Source to better support remote offices and to aid in IT resource consolidation. They can economically replace older technology with commodity-priced servers with Linux/Open Source that can interoperate with many different computing platforms, and that enjoy enthusiastic endorsement from all the major IT vendors

With Linux/Open Source adoption rapidly expanding, each company is adopting its own approach to implementation, based upon its business model and requirements. This article discusses present and future capabilities and directions of Linux/Open Source, and what sites can do to take advantage of them.

WHAT'S TO GAIN?

Because the Linux/Open Source combination delivers flexibility, scalability, reliability, investment protection and attractive pricing, its value proposition is very compelling for enterprises.

Reliability
As an operating system, Linux has exceptionally low downtime. High reliability means fewer repair incidents for corporate IT--and corresponding reductions in costs that enterprises incur when systems go down.

SECURITY

Security is a constant risk, because if IT operations are interrupted, there is lost productivity and business is jeopardized. Proprietary customer data is also at risk. The higher quality Open Source code and the relative impregnability of Linux systems combat this. Unlike its Windows operating system (OS) counterpart, few security attacks are levied against Linux. Linux also has the support of a global community of developers who are constantly "kicking the tires" in the area of OS security.

COST

Linux is less expensive than other server options, and return on investment (ROI) and cost of ownership (COO) are often immediately evident to enterprises. Part of the hardware ROI can be calculated based upon extrapolations of projected downtime comparisons between Linux and another OS platform (downtime is less with Linux). The efficiency of hardware and the ease of automated software updates across distributed Linux servers are also very easy to execute.

INVESTMENT PROTECTION

Implementing Linux allows IT to methodically retire assets in normal life cycle timeframes, gradually replacing expended assets with Linux. In this way, present and future investments are maximized.

SCALABILITY

Linux/Open Source solutions exist for every computing tier of the enterprise, so it is easy to scale Linux to fit your processing needs--and to maintain a consistent operating environment on every tier.

VENDOR RESPONSE TO MARKET

Both Linux-centric and traditional IT vendors understand that they have to offer Linux/Open Source solutions that address the three tiers of network deployment: end devices, remote branch servers and the centralized computing of the enterprise data center.

Nearly every major vendor (and some lesser known ones) offer these solutions. Vendors actively engaged with Linux/Open Source today include IBM, HP, Sun, Red Hat, Novell and many others.

HOT LINUX APPLICATIONS

Linux/Open Source solutions are as diverse as the enterprises that are using them. Nevertheless, here are pockets of enterprise computing where Linux/Open Source is enjoying aggressive uptake:

Asset Retirement and Replacement

Regardless of which tier of the network (end device, department server or data center) an enterprise is working on, Linux/Open Source provides a viable and affordable replacement option that can easily be worked in with normal asset retirement cycles.

Virtualization and Server Consolidation

Many enterprises are in the process of eliminating physical servers, and of "virtualizing" system images on larger, centralized servers for ease of management and maintenance. Nearly every major Linux vendor provides virtualization technology to facilitate this transformation.

Supply Chain and crm Systems

Linux/Open Source delivers strong integration capabilities that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of enterprise supply chains. Linux/ Open Source is also a great solution in the CRM area. Both of these applications are typically deployed in the corporate data center--and can set the stage for future consolidation of department servers into system images on a monolithic data center platform.

On Demand Computing

Because of their easy scalability, Linux and Open Source applications can be run in an "on demand" mode, where they can allocate and de-allocate processing and other resources as needed. A good example is the extra capacity that retailers need during the holiday season--but not at other times of the year.

Planning and Implementation Strategies

Although Linux/Open Source can be "plug and play" technology, enterprises should first carefully plan their implementations in line with their business and technology goals.

Many organizations focus on one area in which to introduce the technology. This allows them to see how the technology works, to recognize the business benefits, and then to expand. Many phase in Linux/Open Source with asset retirement cycles--or select it for a particular application that they wish to deploy, and from which they believe they will see immediate results.

Sites should also be aware that there are still complexities in Linux/Open Source implementation when it comes to application compatibility and interoperability. You need a set of applications from vendors on the version of the software that you're deploying. You also need to ensure that your backend operations are properly integrated with your systems.

PREDICTIONS

As enterprise adoption of Linux/Open Source accelerates, the industry is responding with enhanced capabilities in several key areas.

DATA MINING
There is a big movement now to adopt Linux for data mining. This gives data centers enormous performance potential and scalability, and also allows enterprises to continue scaling across multiple physical locations. Regardless of the distribution strategy, the security and reliability features available with Linux make its adoption a very compelling business argument.

Movement to Packaged Software

In the past, many retailers wrote their own systems for Linux. The Linux/Open Source community also has a history of custom-developed code. Now, however, more Linux Open Source vendors are starting to offer mature software packages, and enterprises are warming to the idea.

MORE MOBILE APPLICATIONS

Mobile phones, PDAs, kiosks, etc. demand a compact, consistent and reliable operating system. Linux can provide this.

Virtual Servers and Virtualization

Enteprises are starting to weigh the advantages of "virtualizing" department servers on a data center mainframe or super server that gives them improved physical security, ready IT access and better resource management. Linux/Open Source supports this.

RECOMMENDATIONS

If you are considering introducing or expanding the Linux/Open Source deployment in your organization, here are several key points to consider:

Understand your business goals and work out your applications architecture first. You will make better choices of Linux and Open Source solutions if you have a firm handle on where you are and where you need to go.

Develop a proof of concept for each new application. Start with a small footprint of deployment. Debug the solutions and the processes that are built around it--and then expand. By doing this, you can avoid expensive delays and tackle and resolve problems when they first come up.

Monitor Results. By actively monitoring project results, you can make adjustments so that future implementations are better.

Keep simplification and integration needs in the forefront of everything you do. Vendors are promising simplification and end to end integration with Linux/Open Source, but it isn't there yet. Take time to carefully evaluate your IT environment, and to make prudent purchases.

Select the right business partner. Experience in what you're trying to accomplish is very important. Make sure your vendor has it.

Understand the business purpose behind the migration before you undertake it. Your choice of solution and vendor might vary--depending on whether you are trying to address the issues of lower costs, inadequate CPU, vendor lock-in and/or server consolidation.

Select your new applications with care. Be sure that each application is one of the thousands that are certified on the distribution of Linux that you select.

Perform TCO/ROI

Start with an application you know well and determine how it will affect the business. Determine a timeline for performance analysis, and keep in mind one-time costs like hardware and lifetime costs like support. Also consider the soft costs, like user management and security across geographically distributed locations. ENS