History of linux operating system

Linux to explode - free open source code operating system

If Unix is too rigid, and NT too complex, what's the answer? Research suggests it may be Linux

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Linux, the free, open source code operating system, is becoming increasingly popular in the telecommunications industry, research says.

According to a recent bulletin from Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Cahner's In-Stat Group, the fact that Microsoft regards Linux as a threat to the dominance of Windows indicates that a major shakeup could be on the horizon. In-Stat says the majority of PC server makers are expected to begin offering Linux on their boxes next year, adding to the OS's market presence.

Largely ignored by both users and vendors, Linux is one of the fastest evolving operating systems in history, says Brian Strachman, research analyst for Cahner's In-Stat Group's Telephony Service.

In-Stat says while Red Hat Software - the largest seller of Linux - is still in its infancy, it's on its way to becoming mainstream as both Intel and Netscape took undisclosed minority stakes in the company in early October. Linux is rapidly gaining popularity in the computer industry and has been largely overlooked in the telecom industry.

"This operating system is reliable, scaleable, simple to reconfigure and most importantly, it's free," Strachman says. "I believe that the inherent fear expressed by the industry in using an NT-based platform is not likely to change in the immediate future."

Once there are more applications available for the platform, Strachman adds, Linux becomes an affordable alternative to Windows NT and the forthcoming Windows 2000. "Linux has the capability to put applications at a similar price point as NT, with reliability only available in proprietary systems," he says. "With the pervasive anti-Microsoft attitude in the industry, I believe it won't be long before developers jump on the Linux bandwagon and begin to develop some more user-friendly applications.

"Additionally," he says, "lack of interoperability in telecom makes Linux a good choice as savvy IT managers can custom-build and modify drivers to make all the toys in the telecom box play well together."

In-Stat says that while Linux is not yet ready to be used as an operating system for telecommunications, Red Hat will add the legitimacy it needs to become mainstream.

The bulletin, entitled Linux, the Telecommunications Operating System of the Future, says that while the OS was originally developed by a single person - Linus Torvalds - the program has changed drastically over the years. Anyone can download the source code and make any change he or she sees fit. With the explosion of the Internet in recent years, the report states, there was never a better time for a system like Linux to develop.

"There are several compelling reasons that the telecommunications community should take notice of Linux," the report says. "First, it is a Unix dialect and thus extremely robust. Second, Linux and its source code are completely free. This allows for much more competitive pricing as well as marketing to small businesses. Third, Linux has an advantage in driver development. Telecommunications is an industry plagued by driver problems. Linux allows any computer savvy person to manipulate or custom build drivers for any application."

Cahner's In-Stat Group is located on the Web at www.cahnersinstat.com.