Quote Originally Posted by gamedango View Post
In my opinion Linux OS's are more personal toys than anything else. While they are great for home use, Linux just doesn't fit in to the IT professional world. As an IT manager, I could never see implementing linux into our network for many reasons:

1. Training (most all uses have no idea of what linux even is)
2. Hardward support compared to Windows
3. Range of business applications available
4. Technical Support
5. Scalability
6. Compatibility (ties in with applications available)

While the cost would be a huge benefit, all of the other issues above would counteract that cost AND take up the most limited resource available, time.
You've clearly not done your research.

As an IT manager for a large government contract, Linux and UNIX comprise over 65% of our computing environment. Linux scales much better to the intel platform than Windows. The overhead is substantially less thus allowing for more dedicated CPU cycles to the critical processes and services. Linux supports a clustered server environment much better than Windows. Most mission-critical business applications run on UNIX and Linux servers.

There are several "supported" Linux distributions (ie: RedHat) that offer technical support for the OS as well as the many supported applications that comes with it. One has to adapt to the different business model of Linux support verses Windows support but the costs savings will support it.

There is plenty of Linux training and certification and accreditation courses out there. A simple Google search will display thousands of results. All of the large computer training companies offer substantial Linux training.

Most of the main Linux distributions support the mainstream hardware currently offered by the leading computer hardware manufacturers. While some of the top-end video cards don't have specific Linux drivers, etc, eventually they do evolve.

Linux "IS" lacking in the desktop arena. Although the main Linux distributions are making great gains in supporting the latest desktop hardware, especially laptops. However, it's very hard to compete with Microsoft and the Microsoft Office Application Suite. Microsoft has owned the desktop for years and is firmly entrenched in the business world as well as the home. Microsoft has more of a threat from Apple than Linux right now.

OpenOffice is moving closer and closer to 100% compatibility with Microsoft Office. Granted there's no substitute anywhere for Visio - not on any other platform (mac and Linux/UNIX).

If I were interviewing you for one of our IT management positions and you made your statement above - you wouldn't get the job. In the real business world, you'll find Sun servers and Linux servers right next to the Windows servers.