Should Your IT Organization Start Using Linux?

What Can Businesses Get Out of a Linux Environment?

The simple answer is that companies can spend less on hardware and software, and they can make informed decisions on what is needed for their business, all of which will lead to greater profits.

The decision process still has an element of trial and error. Still, there is now the opportunity to make informed decisions with high levels of data to guide us.

And, of course, we can all be happy about the benefits of having less software and fewer service contracts. For the IT teams that embrace Linux, these processes can make even greater strides forward.

Successfully implementing an open-source strategy will give you a competitive advantage and a clearer insight into the long-term support that you will need. Even as you invest in your infrastructure, you should start working on your strategy, not just the bare minimum you need right now.

The open-source model means that your IT team can take ownership of the solutions they provide, as they have complete control over how they interact with the applications on your systems. That doesn't mean that you can avoid or minimize IT budget cuts – on the contrary. But that situation is not a good starting point for any IT initiative.

Adopting a Linux-based operating system has a lot to offer for businesses that are looking for a radical rethink of how they approach their IT.

Open-Source Benefits

One thing many business managers like about Linux is the lack of vendor lock-in. This flexibility means that organizations can change their IT services whenever and however they wish. That is the same sort of freedom that we discuss when talking about smartphones or social media, and you can see the results of this flexibility in terms of the proliferation of cloud computing.

The benefits of a Linux environment go way beyond the increased flexibility. The problems that IT departments face now differ from those they met back in the late 90s. No longer is the IT team sitting at their desks in the bowels of a building that is becoming obsolete. The IT department has moved out, but the changes are often more profound.

Not only is this needed, but it is also the only way to deal with the changing environments businesses face. The Linux-based operating system can be rolled out with relatively low investment, but it's also incredibly flexible.And that flexibility means that an enterprise can make decisions based on limited information and act quickly to address new challenges. The IT team can work faster, reducing the chances of making mistakes and wasting time.

It is up to the enterprise to determine what they want, so we can understand why some businesses are already embracing the system.

Adoption of Open Source for Linux

If you were to look around at other companies and ask why they are adopting the Linux operating system, you would find that some of them are moving to the system to ensure they can deal with future regulatory challenges; some are moving because their vendors are closing their doors; and others are moving because of the potential for open-source software to disrupt other offerings in the marketplace.

If you want to create and maintain a Linux-based enterprise, the first step is to ask yourself: what will happen in the future? Will the commercial organizations in your industry still exist in the year 2025? If the answer to this question is no, then you should look at the future of your IT systems so that you can survive whatever is to come.

Suppose you envision an environment in 2025 where you can reduce the costs associated with IT and maintain flexibility to address any technology change. In that case, you are on the right track.

If not, then you should take a hard look at your options. In reality, many of us will be far from 2025, so the more radical the alternative, the better.

The software can only continue to evolve in one direction. In many areas, the natural order of things is already in place. We have an estimated 4.6 billion connected devices; 70 percent will be wireless in just a few years. That's a huge potential disruption in entertainment, communication, and transport.

This potential for disruption has a knock-on effect on how we interact with and manage devices. There are challenges in cyber security, privacy, and regulation, but there is also opportunity.

Open Source Meets Real-World Problem-Solving

Much of the success of the Linux operating system comes down to the type of available tools and the level of support offered. Because Linux is free, the community continues to develop it, resulting in tremendous development activity.

The software is free, and as long as there is an ongoing demand, more tools will be developed. As more devices are set, the system will have new applications. As that demand increases, the software continues to improve and gain features.

We can see this happening with Linux today, the environment many companies seek.

Understand Why Your Company Is Adopting the Linux System

Suppose you want to use the software to help create a more agile and resilient company. In that case, you need to know why your company is adopting the system.

Look at your company's strategy, understand how the technology will help you, and then discuss your IT strategy with IT leaders.

A Unified Platform Approach to IT

Suppose your IT team has a very different approach to the technology you're using. In that case, you need to have a long-term view of how to scale and embrace the innovation of other companies in your industry.

For instance, in the commercial sector, the core applications and services are relatively static, so you need to see how you can take advantage of more open and flexible platforms. In reality, the commercial sector is rapidly changing and changing rapidly. Still, it is far more likely that if a commercial company has a strong reputation, they are less likely to be affected by technology.

This responsiveness to change is the key advantage of embracing Linux as a business platform. IT is about creating a secure environment to service customers. You can deliver your commercial and open-source products if your IT team uses open standards and Linux.

Your IT team members should be fully trained in the ITIL® principles and framework for IT management. Simplilearn offers various ITIL® training programs, including the comprehensive ITIL® 4 Managing Professional Master's Course. This training will make your IT team more efficient and effective in setting your business's future IT direction and managing its operation. Learn more by visiting the program page.