This document discusses the business case for using Linux over other operating systems. It outlines some of the technical cost buckets associated with operating systems, including services, hardware, software, and human resources ("meatware"). For each category, it notes both advantages and disadvantages of Linux compared to other options like Solaris, Unix, AIX, and Windows. It then shares details about The Motley Fool's experience migrating some of their systems from Windows to a Linux environment. The document concludes that Linux is a robust, stable and inexpensive option that should be considered for any server application depending on an organization's specific needs and software requirements.

1. The Business
Case
for
Linux
Dwight Gibbs & Chris Hagner
The Motley Fool
DC Area CTOs Meeting
September 21, 2001

2. Introduction
Dwight: Tech cost structure and Linux
Chris: The Motley Fool and Linux
You: Questions and Linux

3. Technical Cost Buckets
Services
Hardware
Software
Meatware

4. Services
Good news: Many Linux services companies exist
Mission Critical Linux, Red Hat, VA Linux
Bad news: Most services companies are much
more familiar with Solaris, UX, AIX, Windows
Bottom line: If you need help, it is available

5. Hardware
Good news: Linux is very efficient, allowing
extension of hardware useful life
Many hardware providers install and support
Linux
Bad news: Driver support not great
SMP support (> 4 CPUs) not good
Bottom line: Depends on your hardware

6. Software
Good news: The price is right
High degree of flexibility
Integrates well with open source apps
Many good, open source apps are available
Bad news: More software available for
Windows and commercial Unices
Bottom line: Depends on your software needs

7. Meatware
Good news: Linux is very similar to commercial
unices
Bad news?: Linux is not at all like Windows
Bottom line: Depends on your in-house
capabilities

8. Linux Comparisons
• Linux vs. Other Operating Systems
• Hardware support
• Price/Performance considerations
• Linux Software
– Availability
– Quality
• The Linux user experience

9. Linux at the Motley Fool
• DNS
• Security/Intrusion Detection System
• Bulk mailers
• Web traffic recording/analysis
• Ad serving platform
• Intranet applications
– Bug tracking,Time tracking, Knowledge-base
• Web application platform (coming soon)

10. Our Web Migration
Experience
• Win2K/IIS/ASP to Linux/Apache/Python
• Why?
– Proven success of mission-critical Linux
apps in production
– Flexible and powerful software solutions
– High-power tools for high-power techies
– Very attractive price point

11. ‘Foolish’ Realities
• Linux is a great work-horse OS for ‘general’ unix
needs
• Open systems can be a god-send
– Avoid mandatory upgrade cycles
– Avoid vendor lock-in
– Avoid migration if vendor fails/discontinues product
• Open source software provides us with high-quality
solutions at a very competitive price point
• We see great benefit from being active in the
Linux/open source community

12. So should I use Linux?
It depends – what is the problem at hand?
Use the right tool for the job.
Bottom line: Linux is robust, stable, and
relatively inexpensive and should be
considered for any server application.

13. Y’all be Fool!
www.Fool.com