Introduction
This time, I'm going to share part of the experience I had working with LINUX Operative System and the way it is applied in our today companies. All this content will be based on real cases.
I'm not going to talk about what LINUX is, that's why you can continue reading this article even if you don't know to much about this Operative System (if you don't know anything about it or you would like to learn a little bit more I can give you some Internet sources if you want to).
Regarding to my LINUX knowledge, I'd say I'm a self-taught person. I've learnt everything I know about this great Operative System by reading e-books and other Internet sources. That's why I can talk to you about the LINUX potential and philosophy. As the time goes on, the LINUX platform improves considerably and we can see that everyday new programs and devices are developed to enhance the LINUX usage.
Why LINUX?
One of the main reasons I've noticed for the LINUX usage is the "wrongly-understood" feature of "NO LICENSE". It means that we don't need to buy LINUX or pay any tax to use its programs. I said "wrong-understood" therefore most of the people use LINUX in their companies just looking for some costs reduction and consequently the increase of their incomes. First of all, let me clarify that LINUX is not "for free" but it is a "free software". Unfortunately talking about GNU/GPL would be too long just for one article, so I recommend that you check the Resources Section of this site.
Why not to use LINUX?
As the men, LINUX is not infallible. The main needs of the Organization will determine if the use of LINUX would be a good solution for the current problems. Despite the use of LINUX should be completely transparent for users, sometimes it isn't even if you are the System Administrator.
It is necessary to make a deep analysis of the business context. Considering the fact that a company has its resources under OS's that are very different to UNIX variances, it can bring side effects. And these negative consequences may cause a waste of resources. It is true that a suitable training would make it possible to overcome this problem, but, do you think it is necessary to risk your business?. Thus, I suggest that you make a deep evaluation beforehand.
LINUX in our Business
If your company is using LINUX now, you've already overcame the first barrier. You have shown courage by fighting against the natural "fear" of getting lost into a world of features and possibilities using something that is almost "unknown".
The next step is to find a work team that has much experience and knowledge in LINUX configuration and administration. Nevertheless, let me tell you that the new generation of LINUX administrators has more advantages than before. For example, 6 years ago it wasn't so easy to install a LINUX Slackware as it is a RedHat today.
Knowing all the roles and functions that LINUX is going to perform in your business, you are ready to use it. It is important to determine which areas will be affected by the new OS, the requirements, expectations and the benefits that we want to reach.
Getting used to LINUX
LINUX can coexist in perfect harmony with Windows Systems. It has support to share resources and communicate without any problem. Besides, LINUX can work together even with a NOVELL System and other UNIX variances. It would be a good example of coexistence if we think in a System that has Windows as a Web Server, a Novell server to attend intern requests of information and obviously LINUX as a mail server, proxy, getaway and firewall. LINUX will be uncharged of all this system taking over the outside and inside traffic of information. It would be as a barrier for the Intranet depending on what the administrator wants to do.
Before we run a server we have to set good policies. Sometimes the Administrators can be the worst enemies of the system if they are not hard-working enough or they don't do their best efforts. Talking about security, Linux can be as vulnerable as any other OS or software.
Finally the System Administrator has the responsibility of keeping touch with the System staff, so they can decide how the LINUX power will be applied in the company. The Linux potential is growing daily and the companies must get as much advantages as possible of it.
Conclusions
I want to emphasize that the use of LINUX should be reflected on the increase of the productivity and the benefits that you get.
If a company has accomplished its information system and it doesn't need to be changed. However, if the management staff decide to migrate into LINUX, it may be more expensive than a whole implantation at the beginning.
Once we have started to use LINUX, it'll be able to replace a variety of roles that exist in the organization and we didn't consider before. We can get these advantages after evaluating carefully the current situation of the company.
LINUX is not the panacea for all the problems that happen in your company. However if we make a good evaluation of our business needs, it may become the best choice.
I'm in favor of the coexistence of different Operative Systems because they are just the means to achieve the company goals. I think that soon, all the organizations around the world will consider to have an harmonious diversity in their Operative Systems. Each task will be assigned to each OS according to their efficiency in order to get the most positive results for the company.
Resources
GNU/GPL: http://www.gnu.org
Google: http://www.google.com Key(Linux)
Dedicated to my future wife and daughter.
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