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Cost Implications And Security Threats Of Linux Migration Analysis

More from Laura DiDio, who tells us that many IT executives are reconsidering a move to Linux due to "a growing number of security threats and a dearth of experienced Linux administrators". Are there execs out there who consider Windows to be a more secure platform than Linux, or are they frightened by the sheer volume of patches released by the open source distributions? . . .. Migrating to open-source software may cost some companies more than simply upgrading their Unix or Windows systems, according to a study research company The Yankee Group released Monday. Based on a survey of 1,000 information technology administrators and corporate executives at companies around the globe, Yankee's report concluded that the technical merits promised by Linux and applications built to run on the operating system have yet to overcome financial concerns related to adopting the software. At companies with 5,000 or fewer users, Linux can save more money than other systems, including Unix and Microsoft's Windows software, said the Boston-based company. "Clearly, many people who have Linux like it a lot, but if you propose a wholesale swap to most large companies, you're looking at a significant up-front cost, and many executives are asking why they should do it," said Yankee analyst Laura DiDio, who authored the report. Much of the expense of the open-source migration comes from shifting the IT architecture, DiDio said. However, many executives are reconsidering such a move because of a growing number of security threats and a dearth of experienced Linux administrators. Improved security has been one of the primary advantages Linux promises. Another concern among users is the relatively small number of applications available on Linux, compared with Unix or Windows. "Everyone has a Linux strategy, even if it's just to throw rocks at Microsoft," DiDio said. "But executives are asking if the advantages of Linux are substantial enough to justify the expense and inherent headaches of swapping all of their systems." Inresponse to the survey, Linux vendors said their customers often garner sizable savings from moving to their software. Leigh Day, a spokesman for Red Hat, the top seller of the Linux operating system, said their customers who switched say they have opportunities to spend less. Customers can also shift to cheaper hardware, specifically lower-cost Intel-based systems, she said. The link for this article located at ZDNet is no longer available. . Transitioning to free software solutions can impose greater expenses on businesses than merely enhancing their existing Unix or Windows platforms.. Linux Adoption, Migration Cost, Security Threats, Open-Source Software. . LinuxSecurity.com Team

Apr 06, 2004 • LinuxSecurity.com Team Server Security