5 reasons to switch your business to Linux

Linux isn’t always the first operating system that springs to mind when you think of running a business. Making the switch might seem like a time-consuming process, but Linux is well suited to businesses and can make a big difference in day-to-day operation. Here are some of the top reasons to change.

#1 Increased security

Security is a major concern for any business and its customers. An insecure operating system means vulnerabilities across the network that can result in data theft, loss and damage. Linux is incredibly secure. This is partly due to the huge community of developers and analysts who work to keep it robust and because of its nature. Linux was designed to accommodate lots of users but give control only to a single administrator. This bolsters the security and is especially useful for businesses with a lot of employees operating on the network at any given time. Knowing that you can expand the network without compromising on security brings great peace of mind.

#2 Open source

The open source nature of Linux makes it compatible with a wide range of software, hardware, and services. This is obviously advantageous to any business because it means more choice; you can compare prices, functionality, and subscriptions without being tied down to a specific operating system. All businesses have different demands and challenges to meet. More choice means more flexibility, which is important in an ever-changing market.

#3 Stability

Quite simply, Linux is renowned for its stability. That’s partly due to the aforementioned community that works so hard on the system and its robust programming. Stability is crucial for any business, but it’s especially important for smaller companies. Downtime is devastating for a small business. Not only does it cost them money, but it loses both customers and credibility. A secure operating system is vital as a business grows, and you can’t get much securer than Linux.

#4 Cost effectiveness

Since Linux comes without vendor lock-in, its software is usually free. There’s a lot of choice between distributors, and support is easy to come by. It’s an extremely cost-effective operating system, perhaps more so than any other option. For a growing business, that means money to invest elsewhere. A smaller business might spend their saved money on hiring a digital web agency to increase their online presence or social media managers to help them stand out elsewhere. Hiring new staff, automating tasks, and even expanding physical office spaces can all be financed using the money saved with a cheaper operating system.

#5 A simple solution

Operating systems like Windows come loaded with lots of features and are much “bulkier” than Linux. This usually equates to additional cost, but it also means more updates, more maintenance, and generally more work. Linux, on the other hand, can be stripped down to its most basic components, leaving only the functionality that your business actually needs. As such, the operating system is uniquely scalable, both up and down, and can be tailored exactly to your requirements.