Home > Ask the Enterprise Linux Experts > Questions & Answers > Which Linux distros are the biggest competition for Microsoft's products?
Ask The Enterprise Linux Expert: Questions & Answers
EMAIL THIS

Which Linux distros are the biggest competition for Microsoft's products?

Mark Hinkle EXPERT RESPONSE FROM: Mark Hinkle

Pose a Question
Other Enterprise Linux Categories
Meet all Enterprise Linux Experts
Become an Expert for this site


Digg This!    StumbleUpon Toolbar StumbleUpon    Bookmark with Delicious Del.icio.us   


>
QUESTION POSED ON: 11 March 2005
What would you say is the current market share of Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and Word compared to their Linux equivalents and other competitors? What Linux versions are gaining the most ground versus MS products right now?

>
With regards to market share I don't I have any relevant recent data, but there was a 2004 Forrester Research Study (Open Source Moves into the Mainstream, Schadler) that pegged OpenOffice.org use at 14.3% in the 140 North American companies they surveyed..

Per your question on what versions of Linux are gaining ground on MS products right now: I would focus in on the desktop here because of your first question. Once again, I have no recent data, but I can say this: The following distributions are good functional replacements of Microsoft Windows for all but the most demanding desktop users (ones who use a lot of peripheral devices like Windows CE PDAs, specialized hardware, etc.).

Of those the one that has the most resource and a large existing customer base that needs to be refreshed is Novell. With their large market penetration for desktop and back office systems they would be the most likely adversary for desktop Linux competition right now. If your question is who is in the most competition for the server with Microsoft I would say it's still Novell -- but I would add Red Hat as well.


Digg This!    StumbleUpon Toolbar StumbleUpon    Bookmark with Delicious Del.icio.us   



RELATED GLOSSARY TERMS
Terms from Whatis.com − the technology online dictionary
Ubuntu  (SearchEnterpriseLinux.com)

RELATED RESOURCES
2020software.com, trial software downloads for accounting software, ERP software, CRM software and business software systems
Search Bitpipe.com for the latest white papers and business webcasts
Whatis.com, the online computer dictionary



Search and Browse the Expert Answer Center
Search and browse more than 25,000 question and answer pairs from more than 250 TechTarget industry experts.
Browse our Expert Advice



Linux Migration Advice: Unix-to-Linux, Windows-to-Linux
HomeNewsTopicsITKnowledge ExchangeTipsBlogsAsk the ExpertsMultimediaWhite PapersIT Downloads
About Us  |  Contact Us  |  For Advertisers  |  For Business Partners  |  Site Index  |  RSS
SEARCH 
TechTarget provides technology professionals with the information they need to perform their jobs - from developing strategy, to making cost-effective purchase decisions and managing their organizations' technology projects - with its network of technology-specific websites, events and online magazines.

TechTarget Corporate Web Site  |  Media Kits  |  Site Map




All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2003 - 2009, TechTarget | Read our Privacy Policy
  TechTarget - The IT Media ROI Experts