Linux

Describe Linux’s primary competitive advantage and how sustainable are they?

Linux has the following competitive advantages:

- Pooled R&D or Product Development – Linux has thousands of developers (from different sponsored companies such as IBM, HP, RedHat as well as independent developers) who work on creating new Linux functionality. The Open Source model gives away not only the executable but the source code for free using that to attract both users and a broad developer community. Then Open Sourcers can, if they choose, make their money on service and making their software work for their clients. Linux Open Source players such as RedHat, Novell/Suse, Xandros, and Linspire can only prosper by innovating with features and functionality as fast as their rivals while making money on support, training and consulting services. In 2009 the Linux Foundation did a survey on the value of Linux, estimating the collective R&D of the platform at over $10 billion dollars.

- Cost – Linux has zero licensing fees, so pure cost is a key benefit. Linux support can be found at almost any level; from free e-mail and bulletin boards to 24/7 mission critical support via enterprise subscriptions. Companies that are running Linux have an operating system with support for the greatest number of chip architectures, hardware platforms and forms of computing (blades to mainframe). Simply put, Linux is the best common denominator in diverse IT environments. It’s not just the operating system. Coding and porting customized applications is significantly easier on open platforms.

- UNIX architecture – Linux is built on top of the Unix architecture. Linux requires 386 architecture to run. Thus, it is compatible with any improved architecture such as 486, Pentium, Pentium Pro, etc. There are drivers available for many types of hardware devices. Linux program installation seems to be easier since it only requires a restart when hardware device has been changed. Linux supports multiple...