NW survey: Linux still at data center doorstep, but open source is hot

NETWORK WORLD NEWSLETTER: PHIL HOCHMUTH ON LINUX
07/18/05
Today's focus: NW survey: Linux still at data center doorstep,
but open source is hot

Dear networking.world@gmail.com,

In this issue:

* What readers are doing with Linux
* Links related to Linux
* Featured reader resource
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This newsletter is sponsored by Hewlett Packard
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Today's focus: NW survey: Linux still at data center doorstep,
but open source is hot

By Phil Hochmuth

While Linux and server vendors continue to push the open source
operating system into data centers, a recent survey of Network
World readers showed that Linux adoption for critical
applications is slow.

A survey of 500 Network World readers revealed that only 5% of
respondents had a majority of their critical applications (over
50% of apps) running on Linux servers. Around 18% of those
surveyed said 20% to 49% of their most important applications
were running on Linux. Meanwhile, almost 30% of the readers
surveyed said they were not using Linux at all for
mission-critical applications.

While use of Linux for core apps was low among NW readers, the
survey also showed that adoption of other open source
applications and tools was more widespread. Over 50% of
respondents said they were running an open source Web server,
such as Apache. Also, close to 50% of readers said they were
using an open source database platform as well, such as MySQL or
PostgreSQL. Open source Web browsers, such as Firefox, were also
popular, with 50% of respondents saying they had such software
installed. Around 30% of those surveyed said they were even
using open source for VPN infrastructure.

Major drivers of open source adoption cited in the survey
included the lack of licensing requirements (almost 80% said
this was important). Seventy-four percent of respondents said
avoiding vendor lock-in was a driver. Around 44% said faster
performance and lower administrative costs were also reasons to
go open source.

Inhibitors to open source adoption included the complexity of
integrating open source with existing legacy infrastructures
(57% said this was a drawback). Around 39% said legal issues
were a factor, and 36% said lack of open source expertise was a
drawback.

RELATED EDITORIAL LINKS

NW500: Spending is up on key net techs
Network World, 06/27/05
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2005/062705-nw500.html?rl

City finds big savings in Linux
Network World, 07/18/05
http://www.networkworld.com/nllinux3341
_______________________________________________________________
To contact: Phil Hochmuth

Phil Hochmuth is a Network World Senior Editor and a former
systems integrator. You can reach him at
<mailto:phochmut@nww.com>.
_______________________________________________________________
This newsletter is sponsored by Hewlett Packard
Special Report-Regulatory Compliance and the Role of Today's CIO

With a growing body of legislation dictating how enterprises may
create, use, share, and retain electronic records, CIOs must
develop data storage and management strategies that meet
regulatory compliance and support their organizations' overall
business goals. Fortunately, these objectives are not mutually
exclusive. Download this Special Report from Kahn Consulting,
click here
http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=108657
_______________________________________________________________
ARCHIVE LINKS

Breaking Linux news from Network World and around the 'Net,
updated daily: http://www.networkworld.com/topics/linux.html

Archive of the Linux newsletter:
http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/linux/index.html
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FEATURED READER RESOURCE
THE ROI OF VOIP

When it comes to VoIP, most network managers are satisfied that
the technology works. But there are questions: What will the new
technology cost to roll out and support, and what benefits can
companies expect to reap? Check out NW's step-by-step guide on
how to determine the true cost and benefits of VoIP. Click here:
<http://www.networkworld.com/research/2005/071105-voip.html>
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