Today, most Linux servers that have been installed in the past two years
are made to handle considerable workloads that traditionally would have
run only on more capable Unix-based operating systems requiring more
expensive hardware that is faster, with more RAM and more powerful
processors.
With all else being equal, today's modern Linux servers run on less
costly motherboards, with a lot less RAM and more affordable CPUs.
Now industry observers are starting to say that this application area is
rapidly maturing. However, it is now expected that opportunity for
ongoing growth is in most developing countries.
Despite all the confusion over Windows Vista, the companies that focus
on Linux as a business have yet to deliver a go-to-market proposition
that is compelling for the consumer, for the retailer, distributors and
original equipment manufacturers.
At least as far as Linux-on-the-desktop is concerned. It's one thing
to buy Linux servers, but to the great majority of people, a Windows
desktop is all they know and are familiar with. Add to that the fact that
most PC users today also don't appreciate having to start learning all
over something they already did in the past.
Nevertheless, there are also some observers that are saying that today's
consumer segment is the fastest growing potential market for Linux-based
desktop solutions. The rise of the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) project
and the ASUS Eee PC, together with Microsoft's reaction to them, is proof
that the consumer market is opportunity rich.
So the question is, will Linux be the platform that delivers just good
enough in time to create a paradigm shift from the desktop and laptop to
the new-school of wireless enabled consumer devices?
Nobody can answer that question with any reasonable accuracy for now,
but we must consider what will become of those who will not or cannot
change their computing practices.
Expect to see a 'transition market' and there will always be a residual
market. This is perhaps the area that should be the target for most
Linux and open source solutions development. Some may look at this as a
potential training ground for the disruptive change that may follow.
Nevertheless, a great majority of people and computer users today still
feel that the Linux operating system holds a lot of promise, both today
and in the near future.
Source: B.C.L.A.
