I'd like to thank all of the people that have e-mailed and replied to this article. Quite frankly, when I sent it in to osOpinion I had no idea that it would be disseminated so widely... I was hoping for a bit of criticism, and that's what I got. I'd especially like to thank the large number of you that have proved it is possible to disagree without having the disagreements degenerate into a flame-fest (even when I deserve the flames.)
Portions of this essay are inaccurate. Since it is certainly not my intention to combat FUD with more FUD, I've updated the article, which can be found on my website at http://www.cratchi t.org/dleigh/linux/Linux_in_the_Enterprise.htm. Factual corrections will be found there. It's a long document, so I won't go over it again in detail here. If you want to pass on additional corrections to me I'll be happy to include them as well.
Of the responses I've received, many demonstrate that the authors have misunderstood my position entirely. I've been characterized, among other things, as some kind of religious Linux zealot. I believe if you read the essay you'll find that I do not espouse the use of Linux in every situation. Obviously a "Linux uber alles" fanatic would not suggest that a major role of his pet OS is to act as a training ground for other, more powerful systems. I don't think Linux right for every use (I explicitly said as much), and I personally use at least three additional operating systems, including Windows.
Also, when I say that Linux is ready for the enterprise, I don't mean every task in the enterprise, although some people have assumed this. It doesn't make a hell of a lot of sense to me to base everything in your company on some one-size-fits all solution. Linux IS right as a server, and as a desktop, in many situations. And Linux does have price and stability advantages that become more and more significant when considered in bulk. These advantages are compelling, and are becoming moreso as time goes on.
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Portions of this essay are inaccurate. Since it is certainly not my intention to combat FUD with more FUD, I've updated the article, which can be found on my website at http://www.cratchi t.org/dleigh/linux/Linux_in_the_Enterprise.htm. Factual corrections will be found there. It's a long document, so I won't go over it again in detail here. If you want to pass on additional corrections to me I'll be happy to include them as well.
Of the responses I've received, many demonstrate that the authors have misunderstood my position entirely. I've been characterized, among other things, as some kind of religious Linux zealot. I believe if you read the essay you'll find that I do not espouse the use of Linux in every situation. Obviously a "Linux uber alles" fanatic would not suggest that a major role of his pet OS is to act as a training ground for other, more powerful systems. I don't think Linux right for every use (I explicitly said as much), and I personally use at least three additional operating systems, including Windows.
Also, when I say that Linux is ready for the enterprise, I don't mean every task in the enterprise, although some people have assumed this. It doesn't make a hell of a lot of sense to me to base everything in your company on some one-size-fits all solution. Linux IS right as a server, and as a desktop, in many situations. And Linux does have price and stability advantages that become more and more significant when considered in bulk. These advantages are compelling, and are becoming moreso as time goes on.
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mailto:dave.leigh@cratchit.org
http://www.cratchit.org/dleigh