Linux has matured now and it is rapidly evolving to be the best developed operating system. Off course, when you have millions of developers around the world contributing to the Linux kernel and other open source projects that make up the GNU/Linux platform, what would you expect? .... a rock solid computing system. Therefore, large enterprises and professional organizations are quickly adopting Linux and leveraging on it's stability, security and low cost. When NASA, the Department of Defense, and many more professional and governmental agencies have already move ahead with deploying Linux, the signs are clear that Linux is the smart way to go. After all, Linux is now used in super computer grids, embedded in many devices such as smart cell phones, servers and desktops.

On the desktop, Linux has progressed enormously, thanks to the idea of open source. That rate of innovation far exceeds any commercial, proprietary or closed source company.

So why are there companies still using an inferior and expensive operating system like Windows? The main reasons I can think of are:
a) They are locked in a long term contract with Microsoft
b) They have a mediocre IT staff who only know Windows
c)Nobody owns Linux and therefore, Vendors who do use Linux only market their products. The consumer is usually unaware that Linux is actually powering the product or embedded. An example of this is the Java Desktop System. This is a Linux desktop operating system distributed by Sun Microsystems but as you can see from the name of the product, there is no mention of Linux!

What if a company has custom programs based on Windows? how can they change to Linux? Well, I believe there is a solution for everything. This is a valid question and I'm sure that many companies want to switch to Linux as soon as possible to leverage on a better technology. They need to at least avoid disastrous virus, worms and spyware that end up costing them money, time and losing customers; not to mention the headaches. Fortunately, the are a few solutions to this problem:
a) They can port their custom programs to Linux. I came across a company that specializes in this. Check them out at http://www.mainsoft.com
b) They can use Citrix or similar Applications/terminal servers to give them access to their custom applications from their Linux desktops.

Everyday Linux grows with more innovation, development and solutions.