Screaming Penguin - Source Does Matter

Lately there has been a lot of discussion about the true usability of Linux for mission critical operations. Discussion about support, stability, security and more.

Well in an attempt to attest to the capabilities of their OS, RedHat has released (at least it appears to be a RedHat endorsed eToys release) a press statement that details the business systems of the worlds second busiest etailer (based on 1999 stats.) eToys is that etailer and RedHat Linux is the OS.

The release states:

The company uses Red Hat Linux as its primary
platform for development, Web hosting and serving, warehouse management, fulfillment, network operations, mail serving and file serving. These functions are split between five locations around the world, and account for a large percentage of the company's computing activities.

Nuff said or what. Come on people, Linux is business. Yes, the hackers like it and it runs a plethora of basement duct tape systems, but it can also be used for critical applications. If fact many companies employ Linux and the numbers are growing (for a few check out AutoZone, eToys, and Burlington Coat Factory.) This is getting tiresome to re-hash, but Linux is capable and secure and stable.

In any situation the details of the implementation should be considered and the level of adminsitrative and design skill is paramount to success. That said, Linux done right can certainly provide a valuable and cost effective solution to many business computing requirements.   LinuxPR : RedHat runs eToys