Web Hosting Reviews & Ratings

September 29, 2010

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Linux for Large Businesses

The Linux operating system has been used for years in computers all over the world, and is actually a descendant of one of  the oldest operating systems – Unix, which was first used in 1969 by AT&T Bell Laboratories. Every since its inception, various distributions of Linux have been used by large corporations because of the operating system's open source code, which can be modified by in-house internet technology specialists when there is a bug or a need for OS modification. While Linux is capable of providing a stable and amendable operating system for almost any large business, there are some circumstances in which the use of Microsoft based software is needed. The following information should help you decide whether or not Linux is suitable for your expanding business.

Do You Need to Host an Exchange Server?

Although there are exchange server solutions designed for Linux, the most popular (and some would say effective) exchange server software is Microsoft Exchange Server (the original exchange server software). If you're planning on using an exchange server then you may find a Windows hosting plan to be more desirable for your needs. There are even exchange hosting accounts that will give you access to Microsoft Exchange (a software that costs about $1000), as well as the server resources needed to facilitate the use of the exchange server. If you're new to exchange server technology then you may want to avoid Linux hosting for your business.

Do You Want to Use Sharepoint?

Sharepoint is another incredibly popular Microsoft software that is only compatible with Windows hosting. Although it is not as easy as purchasing a Windows web hosting account, some large businesses that utilize the Linux hosting environment are using virtualization software like VMware to install Windows within Linux, in order to use Windows software on a Linux server. There are also alternatives to Sharepoint that are automatically compatible with Linux, however businessmen that are accustomed to Sharepoint may need to choose Windows hosting instead.

Is Budget a Factor?

Businesses on a budget should definitely consider the cost saving benefits of Linux hosting. Not only does Linux hosting cost less than Windows hosting in terms of startup costs and monthly bills, it also saves you money on technical support because it is an open source software. If you're trying to find the cheapest plan possible that can accommodate the needs of your online business then you may want consider the cost benefits of Linux hosting. When a bug occurs in the Linux operating system, any developer can fix it quickly if they have the knowledge to do so. However, when an error occurs within the Windows operating system, you have no choice but to wait for an update from Microsoft, which could take months in some cases.

Tags: linux,  linux operating system,  unix,  Microsoft,  Exchange server,  Microsoft Exchange,  SharePoint,  virtualization software