Linux- Gaining Ground

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The Future of Linux and the Open Source Movement Contd...

Another major problem for Linux, according to analysts, was that of the limited number of applications available for use on the Linux o/s. Though Sun came up with its StarOffice applications for the Linux o/s on the lines of the Microsoft Office suite, a lot remained to be done in this area. Sun's StarOffice suite consists of a word processor, and spreadsheet and database programs, and Sun was confident of making inroads into the desktop market.

In 2002, Lindows.com20 was launched, to cater to the needs of committed Windows users. Lindows.com announced that it would develop a Windows application program interface that would enable Microsoft application software to run on the Linux operating system. However, many analysts felt that it would not be possible to develop such an Application Program Interface (API)21, as Microsoft could always add new features to its applications to make them incompatible with the Linux o/s. Most importantly, Linux would be likely to face problems because of IPRs. It was reported that the SCO Group, the patent holder for Unix Software, would be starting a licensing division and might register claims against Linux vendors as Linux was based on Unix software. In addition to the above problems, financial problems of the Linux companies could slow down the research and development on Linux, affecting its performance adversely compared to Windows.

As Linux companies charged only for services, it would be difficult for them to invest heavily in R&D. In 2002, most of the companies that had shifted to Linux were using it on low-end servers and it did not have much market share in the desktop markets. Technically too, Linux had problems; it was reported that only people with understanding of Unix would be able to install it easily. Linux also had problems with graphical interfaces, and many popular application programs failed to run on Linux (Refer Exhibit IV).

Another problem area was with regard to accountability. In case major security bugs or problems popped up in the Linux o/s, it would be difficult for companies to hold anyone responsible. Lack of accountability would hinder the progress of Linux, according to some analysts. However with big corporates pledging support and R&D investments for Linux, many analysts believe that Linux will probably give Microsoft a tough fight and change the dynamics of the industry.

Exhibits

Exhibit I: Linux Usage in India
Exhibit II: Time Line of Linux
Exhibit III: Evolution of Windows
Exhibit IV: Comparison of Linux and Windows

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20] A San Diego based start up, founded by former MP3.com CEO Michael Robertson for providing applications for the windows users to work on Linux.
21] A formalized set of software calls and routines that can be referenced by an application program in order to access supporting network services.