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A new Yankee Group survey shows only 4 percent of Unix users and 10 percent of Windows users have any desire to switch platforms.
The Yankee Group report, called "Linux, Unix and Windows TCO Comparison," advises corporations to delay a Linux migration -- or any software migration -- until they can satisfactorily answer how a software operating system migration, upgrade or wholesale switch to another platform can deliver tangible technology benefits, better return on investment and improve the total cost of ownership.
According to the Yankee Group report, Unix and Windows are mature platforms that continue to evolve technically. For many large companies with significant financial investments and embedded physical and services and support infrastructure, the report argues, it is not fiscally feasible or technically advantageous to discard Windows.
Only a small minority (4 percent) of Unix users and about 10 percent of Windows users have any desire to switch platforms, according to the Yankee Group.
"Our conversations with end users cemented the Yankee Group's belief that no operating system is right for everyone," said Laura DiDio, senior analyst the Yankee Group. "Each company must look within. Make a realistic assessment of their existing software operating system infrastructure. Decide whether the current infrastructure meets your company's current and planned business needs and goals. Balance your business requirements against your current and future budget and then chart your technology course."
The Yankee Group's research showed that Linux has significant momentum and the support of impassioned developers and industry giants such as IBM (NYSE: IBM), HP (NYSE: HPQ) and Oracle (Nasdaq: ORCL).
Additionally, the list of Linux distributors and third-party vendors joining established vendors, such as Red Hat (NYSE: RHT), Novell (SuSE), Debian and others, is growing monthly.
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