Most fast-moving modern businesses will have heard of Linux. They may even be using a distribution right now in some form or another. Linux is an open source software development and distribution that was originally used in desktop computers and has been used more recently to operate servers and other large IT systems. A quick browse of Wikipedia will tell you that. But, why is Linux so interesting to businesses? And, in particular, why is it interesting to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs)?

We want you to know not just ‘what’ Linux is, but ‘why’ Linux matters. This is what we’re most interested in, and that is why we have come up with five key benefits to using Linux in your organisation.

Stability and reliability

A reliable distribution such as Linux can give you peace of mind – knowing that very few users experience a crash. No technology is perfect, but because Linux is so stable and reliable you know your systems will be operating smoothly, leaving you to get on with running your business. This is great for small business owners as system downtime can have serious consequences and a huge negative impact on productivity and ultimately, sales.

Freedom

Nothing is for free in this world, but you really can use the majority of the Linux distributions for a no-cost investment, meaning there’s no vendor lock-in either. Linux software is generally free, and even with a distribution tailored for rapidly expanding businesses, purchasing support alongside will often be cheaper than Windows or other proprietary software.

Does what it says on the tin

Since Windows systems often come with a lot of bulk, Linux can be the stripped down alternative that businesses really need. Windows may need frequent hardware upgrades but Linux, coupled with the right support, gives any business outstanding performance and scalability.

Security

Unlike Windows, Linux – by design – offers better security. Since it’s based on a design that accommodates multiple users, its primary security practice is to give administrative control only to the administrator. Ultimately though, security comes down to who is using the system and how they do it. But, in terms of design, Linux – largely thanks to its huge community of individual and corporate developers – is by far the most secure system.

Choices, choices

If you’re looking for a Linux distribution – whether for a business desktop or a server – you might like to consider the following:

• SUSE
• Red Hat
• Ubuntu
• Debian
• CentOS
• Slackware

The choice of distributions offered for Linux is profound. Since there is no one vendor trying to lock you in, you are free to choose from whichever provider best suits your business. This puts you in control of how your business benefits from Linux, rather than the distributor.

For any business handling Linux, whether for the first time or for existing systems, it’s important to make sure you have the right kind of support. From desktops to servers, we understand the motivation behind a move to Linux and we know the technical side better than anyone. We take a proactive approach to maintaining optimal system performance, so talk to help4IT about our Linux support solutions.