In an article entitled “Linux is fastest growing server OS” John Geralds, editor at VNUNET.com, writes about the growing use of Linux in the server OS market and sites a particularly interesting statistic that helps explain this trend . . .

“Linux emerged as the fastest growing entry-level server operating system during the fourth quarter of 1999, with Compaq taking the lead in system sales.”

“Shipments of Linux servers soared to 72,422 units, a 166 per cent increase over 1998 shipments, according to a new study by IDC. Hoang Nguyen, a senior analyst for the researcher, said: 'Even though Linux represents a small portion — about six per cent — of the entry-level server market in unit shipments, it will become an important area of growth within the server market as more and more branded vendors come out with Linux servers.' ”

“A survey of 200 Linux server users also indicated that they employed their machines mainly for hosting web applications, proxy/caching services and email. Some 71 per cent said their Linux servers stayed up and running 99.99 per cent of the time.”

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