Reliability and the ability to change code, rather than
cost, are driving the increased use of Linux at the BBC, according
to Damion Yates, team leader of internet operations at BBC
Technology.
Speaking ahead of his presentation at the Linux User and Developer
Expo in London tomorrow, Yates told Computer Weekly that Linux is
being used on several projects even though there is no overall BBC
strategy to support open source technology.
"Every time that a project is considered, we review the best
technology possible - Linux often wins, particularly on small-scale
projects," he said. "The most mission-critical area we are using
Linux for is the digital text service on Freeview [the red button
services on interactive TV]."
Although Linux has lower licensing costs than alternatives such as
Windows, the BBC is using it because of technological benefits,
Yates said.
"The key benefits are the reliability - our servers that run on
Linux have been highly available," he said. "Another benefit is
that we can change the code to use it as we wish, it is not about
cost. In fact, we do not mind paying for a licence if we are
allowed to change the code."
Different departments within the BBC have had varying levels of
success with the adoption of Linux, largely due to support issues,
Yates said. "The internet division contains 15 to 20 Unix
engineers, who can support any flavour, including Linux," he said.