The Linux computer operating system enjoys a continuous increase in popularity and wider commercial usage as more and more CIO's and CFO's see Linux:

• supporting today's advanced software applications
  
• supporting a variety of hardware and peripherals
  
• offering "bulletproof" system security
  
• representing low operating cost
  
• offering users a choice and control over destiny

Over the years, the community of Linux programmers has become more mature, organized and efficient. Behind these programmers around the world, large tech companies like IBM, Hewlett-Packard and Intel have contributed considerably to Linux, by providing resources and technology. IBM, for instance, is one of the strong Linux promoters and has invested over $1.0 billion in Linux.

Linux provides a flexible and scalable foundation to organizations to pursue their immediate and future operations. With Linux, the decision on hardware and operating system selection is now separated and can be made independently. Linux users can choose their own hardware based on cost and performance in accordance with their own timetable. Linux also allows running both new and existing legacy software applications which reduces costly software upgrades and minimizes the interruption to your business.

Similar to the UNIX operating system, from which Linux originated and transformed, Linux has incorporated security as an integral part of its design. Linux has strong kernel programming codes and Linux's strong security profile has been confirmed in various studies. Over 90% of the Linux systems have never been infected by computer viruses.

Linux is stable and reliable. Both governments and private sectors have installed Linux, and they trust Linux to host their mission and business-critical applications. Linux is open and it has adopted a standard based design. In short, Linux is mature and it has been well tested for quality assurance.

Linux users materialize savings in license fees and their ability to choose a cost effective hardware platform. As Linux supports a variety of hardware, current equipment, peripherals and applications can be retained and utilized. Linux's flexibility, along with its strong security and reliability features, will lower future operating costs such as licenses, support and administration expenses. Linux users are therefore able to maximize their existing investments and minimize their future operating costs.

In summary, the key benefits of having Linux as an operating system are:

• Flexibility
  
• Security
  
• Reliability
  
• Lower total cost of ownership (TCO)