Introduction
I believe I can safely state that every one reading this blog knows that we have been, and basically still are in a financial crisis. Furthermore I believe everyone has felt the effects, or knows people who have felt the effects of the crisis...
Since I am a user of open source software, I wondered whether the free operating systems and programs were actually stimulated by the financial crisis, and the reasoning behind this.
Linux and the financial crisis
The most popular open source operating system is Linux, it does basically everything Windows does and more, except for crashing. ;)
Linux owned quite a small percentage of the market, whilst Windows owned the largest stake. During the financial crisis, the market share of Linux increased with 30% to 40%, which is a huge increase and seen as some what of a victory.
Whilst we are currently in the final stages of the crisis, linux' market share has stopped skyrocketing. Nevertheless it continued growing steadily as it did before the crisis. So there definitely was a significant influence in the market share of the open source operating systems.
The reasons
I wouldn't say it is all about the money, though i would like to stress the fact that Linux is free. For new companies, or existing companies who need to renovate, there is a big difference whether you need to pay 150 to 300 euro extra PER computer, in comparison to paying almost nothing more than the costs of the hardware.Security reasons; since Linux is an open source operating system, it means anyone who has anything to improve or add can simply do this. This results in the most advanced and most secure system you can get.
Customization; anyone with a slight knowledge of computers is able to customize the system to the needs of the user. Whilst Windows is just well... Windows... you are able to change the complete system for the specific use of it, meaning a higher efficiency and easier to use environment.
Think of the differences between a computer used at a bookstore and a computer used at a car factory. I'd say its not more than logical that these computers are completely different for the single reason of efficiency.
Therefore have to say that I believe that the companies who invested in Linux systems have made a good choice, also for the future of both their company as well as the open source organizations.
The only drawback of using Linux is that it sounds difficult...
Hey Jamie,
ReplyDeleteI think this was a very interesting blog! I did not know much about Linux, and especially the fact that its market share grew with 30-40% during the crisis!
I do not have any major points of attention for you, which is a good sign of course! The only thing I read is that you are 'an user...' which should be 'a user...' because the sound of the first letter is a 'y'.
See you!