Linux is expected to become the fastest-growing of all client and server operating systems between now and 2003. International Data Corp (IDC) has said it expected to see commercial shipments of Linux post a compound annual growth rate of 25%, compared to 10% for all other client operating systems combined and 12% for all other server operating systems combined. The finding is a bit of a turnaround for the venerable research company, which until 1998 lumped Linux in the category other.
With the zeal of a convert, IDC now says it expects to see more applications vendors to port their wares to Linux in 1999. It notes, however, that a better graphical user interface will be necessary before Linux is taken seriously as a desktop environment. It is clear Linux has a strong future as a server operating environment, conceded program director Dan Kusnetzky. Strong success on the client, however, requires more than a Windows-like user interface, he warned.
The strong growth of Linux can be attributed in part to its having started from a much lower installed base than established rivals like Windows NT and Solaris. It’s still terrific news for commercial Linux vendors like VA Research Linux Systems Inc. Citing 300% growth in demand since November 1998, VA this week announced a manufacturing outsourcing arrangement with Flextronics International Inc, a mass producer of 3Com Palm PDAs, Web TVs, Cisco routers and other such devices.
