Ctolinux 2001
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Transcript of Ctolinux 2001
The Business Casefor
Linux
Dwight Gibbs & Chris HagnerThe Motley Fool
DC Area CTOs MeetingSeptember 21, 2001
Introduction
Dwight: Tech cost structure and Linux
Chris: The Motley Fool and Linux
You: Questions and Linux
Technical Cost Buckets
ServicesHardwareSoftwareMeatware
Services
Good news: Many Linux services companies existMission Critical Linux, Red Hat, VA Linux
Bad news: Most services companies are much more familiar with Solaris, UX, AIX, Windows
Bottom line: If you need help, it is available
Hardware
Good news: Linux is very efficient, allowing extension of hardware useful lifeMany hardware providers install and support Linux
Bad news: Driver support not greatSMP support (> 4 CPUs) not good
Bottom line: Depends on your hardware
Software
Good news: The price is rightHigh degree of flexibilityIntegrates well with open source appsMany good, open source apps are available
Bad news: More software available for Windows and commercial Unices
Bottom line: Depends on your software needs
Meatware
Good news: Linux is very similar to commercial unices
Bad news?: Linux is not at all like Windows
Bottom line: Depends on your in-house capabilities
Linux Comparisons
• Linux vs. Other Operating Systems• Hardware support• Price/Performance considerations• Linux Software
– Availability– Quality
• The Linux user experience
Linux at the Motley Fool• DNS• Security/Intrusion Detection System• Bulk mailers• Web traffic recording/analysis• Ad serving platform• Intranet applications
– Bug tracking,Time tracking, Knowledge-base
• Web application platform (coming soon)
Our Web Migration Experience• Win2K/IIS/ASP to Linux/Apache/Python• Why?
– Proven success of mission-critical Linux apps in production
– Flexible and powerful software solutions– High-power tools for high-power techies– Very attractive price point
‘Foolish’ Realities
• Linux is a great work-horse OS for ‘general’ unix needs
• Open systems can be a god-send– Avoid mandatory upgrade cycles– Avoid vendor lock-in– Avoid migration if vendor fails/discontinues product
• Open source software provides us with high-quality solutions at a very competitive price point
• We see great benefit from being active in the Linux/open source community
So should I use Linux?
It depends – what is the problem at hand?Use the right tool for the job.
Bottom line: Linux is robust, stable, and relatively inexpensive and should be considered for any server application.
Y’all be Fool!
www.Fool.com