Linux, the open-source family of operating systems preferred by developers, is at an all-time high.
Today, it accounts for almost 5 percent of the global desktop market, double where it was two years ago, according to a report from Statcounter. This represents a big jump in absolute numbers and is especially impressive for an essentially free product line without marketing muscle. Interestingly, enterprises are getting in on the operating system act as much as consumers, citing smoother implementation than Microsoft and better affordability than Apple.
3 Tips for Linux Adoption and Management
- Create clear documentation of Linux processes and configurations.
- Understand the security implications of adopting Linux and how it impacts other tools.
- Adopt a unified endpoint management platform to create a centralized console to oversee devices and desktops.
But, new operating systems can bring new problems. The Linux ecosystem is fragmented with limited vendor support. It’s not always easy to align fleets of devices with differing standards, which in turn can create management, administration, and security headaches. Let’s examine how enterprises can sidestep these issues while embracing operating system alternatives.
Why Enterprises Are Turning to Linux
Linux is no new kid on the block. The project started in the ‘90s with the aim of creating a new, free operating system kernel. This open-source nature attracted countless developers worldwide, evolving from a small number of ‘C’ files to tens of millions of freely contributed lines of source code. Linux’s strength is in sheer numbers — the community backs it, improves it and brings it to new heights.
As a result, Linux boasts incredible application versatility from servers and desktops to laptops, smartphones and even embedded systems. From tech startups to educational institutions and governments, Linux is the backbone of a bunch of enterprise applications including web browsers, media players, office suites and development tools. Collaboration breeds innovation, and the versatile operating system finds fans thanks to its security, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Not to mention, the operating system is a big part of the containerization movement, led by Docker and Kubernetes, and emerging technologies like AI and machine learning run optimally on Linux environments.
This is a far cry from its main competitors. Microsoft is preferencing software-as-a-service for Windows, meaning everything is a subscription rather than a one-and-done solution. On the other end of the spectrum, macOS works best with Apple’s hardware, which demands an all-encompassing ecosystem and investment decision.
It’s no wonder enterprises on the hunt for lower licensing costs and improved efficiency are turning to Linux, but this doesn't mean it’s a painless transition.
New Systems, New Challenges
For admins overseeing enterprise ecosystems, which for years have preferred the operating system heavy hitters, there are special considerations in adopting and onboarding Linux. For one, there are numerous distributions, including Debian, Fedora and Ubuntu. Each distribution has unique tools, update cycles and management protocols. This only increases the degree of difficulty in standardizing.
Across large ecosystems, operating systems need to coexist. An admin might prefer Linux but that doesn’t mean they can entirely do away with Windows and macOS. As a result, they still need to be proficient across multiple operating systems, which can hurt workflows and increase administrative burden. Further, Linux counts an inherent learning curve since most admins are trained primarily in Windows environments.
And if that’s not enough, there are drawbacks to Linux’s decentralization. Vendor support is minimal, leading many organizations to rely on forums and user communities to troubleshoot, a potentially big problem in the face of critical issues. Meanwhile, remote support isn’t easy to achieve. Linux lacks a universal, built-in remote access protocol that works out of the box across all distributions, and its permission structure makes remote access all the more difficult.
Despite free licensing, Linux still costs teams in capital and time. Expect upfront costs in retraining staff, potential productivity losses during transition periods and ongoing expenses for specialized expertise. Teams evolving in this direction must carefully weigh these hidden costs against licensing savings and develop a comprehensive transition strategy.
Train, Test and Troubleshoot
These issues only become problematic if admins let them. To acknowledge the shortcomings and institute workarounds, first and foremost, teams must build out Linux expertise. Create clear documentation of processes and configurations as well as standardized procedures on how environments interact. In this sense, training is non-negotiable. Your team needs to know the ins and outs of this decision and what it means for them and users.
They also need to understand the security implications: How do security tools work differently with Linux? Does this change update automation and patch management? What about data encryption for sensitive information or user account management and privilege controls? Similarly, admins need to know what it means for compliance: Are there differences now in your workflows, deployment and maintenance? Asking and answering these questions is crucial to nipping problems in the bud.
Centralization is often the key to solving many of these pain points. Unified endpoint management platforms create a centralized console for overseeing devices and desktops regardless of operating system. They can also enable remote control and troubleshooting as well as enforce advanced configuration settings. For admins needing a helping hand, this can be the difference between a cohesive or chaotic ecosystem.
The good news is that, with safeguards and training, Linux is a boon to enterprises. It’s free or considerably cheaper than competitors with similar or better versatility. The way we connect and communicate across environments is changing and admins should feel empowered to reconsider this information exchange. The trick is to move carefully and acknowledge the reality of using this operating system in the enterprise.
