Opportunities for those with Linux skills are
increasing
What is it?
Linux is a freeware, Unix-type operating system that is distributed
along with its source code so users can make changes and then
redistribute it.
There is a strange imbalance in the Linux world. At one end it is
dependent on a handful of talented individuals, with constant
speculation about overwork, burnout and slowing down of creative
effort. At the other end, thousands of the world's best-paid IT
staff are promoting and selling it, and repackaging it to meet the
demands of corporations and governments.
Meanwhile, the argument over total cost of ownership continues.
Linux may be "free", or at least cheaper than Windows Server, but
Microsoft has been quick to highlight research that has shown it is
much more expensive to run, particularly in staff costs. This
summer IBM funded a study which claimed that support and
maintenance were cheaper on Linux, and Unix people could easily
make the transition.
Where did it originate?
In 1991, University of Helsinki student Linus Torvalds requested
help developing a free operating system he described as "just a
hobby, won't be big and professional".
What's it for?
Linux is still strongest in the server market. IDC figures
published in May put server market growth at 13.5%, with Linux at
31.3%, Windows at 10.7% and Unix at 5%.
Examining IDC's figures, analyst Robin Bloor said, "Linux is
gaining credibility in areas of server usage where it was weak;
package implementations, database applications, decision support
and so on." But he warned that where competition depended on the
popularity of packages such as Exchange, Sharepoint and Microsoft
Business Solutions, "Linux may never get a grip."
For several years it has been predicted that Linux will break into
the desktop market, overtaking Macintosh and making a serious dent
in Windows. Analyst firm Gartner said, "Given a greenfield
environment, most users could get their work done either on Windows
or Linux, Microsoft Office or Openoffice. But the world is not a
greenfield environment."
What makes it special?
A huge armoury of freely downloadable utilities and development
tools, a large and supportive community to push development and
help with problems, a growing range of professional service
organisations, and effective management tools. Veritas/ Symantec
has brought its storage management products for Linux up to the
same standard as those for Solaris and other Unix.
Where is it used?
Most organisations start by adopting Linux as a web server, and for
some that is where it remains. But Gartner said, "Linux has moved
past the curiosity factor stage and is playing a significant role
in datacentre deployments."
How difficult is it to master?
Linux is easier for those from a Unix background rather than a
Windows background, though major Linux suppliers such as IBM offer
training and tools to help make the transition from Windows
easier.
What systems does it run on?
Most hardware, from PDAs and mobile phones to mainframes and
supercomputers.
What's coming up?
IBM, Red Hat and Trusted Computer Systems are working together to
improve Linux security, with the US government's requirements in
mind.
Rates of pay
Linux administrators can expect to earn £25,000 to £45,000, or
more in the City.
Training
Linux training is available from major suppliers such as IBM,
Novell and Red Hat, and independent training companies such as
GBDirect. The Training Camp offers intensive Linux bootcamp.
The countless sources of free tutorials include Linux.org, IBM's
Deveroperworks site and O'Reilly's Linuxdevcenter. See also
www.linuxtraining.co.uk
for details of the Linux Training Materials Project, an initiative
to distribute free training material under an oper source
licence.