The biggest commercial software project ever undertaken and behind release schedule of more than two years, led many companies to different alternatives. Companies are searching for greater marketing strategies, further growth development and expansion of their businesses through the use of the internet. Companies need servers that are reliable, powerful, and manageable, and cost effective to maintain. Win NT has not lived up to the standards needed nor the high expectations to run such equipment. Many companies are not willing to wait for the release of Windows 2000 and have determined that Win NT 4.0 is not the best operating system for them.
Companies search for the system that best suits their needs.
Linux operating system was developed from freeware or open source software from a Helsinki University student named Linus Torvalds. He sought advice from his peers, hackers and then made the source code available to all users as a free alternative to the Unix operating system. This system called Linux has developed into a reliable system, which is now comparable with Unix and Microsoft NT systems. Not only does this strengthen the growth of Linux operating system but it also makes alliances with other companies willing to offer support for the Linux system. Companies prefer the Linux system over Unix and Win NT because of the cost of maintenance, the reliability and the performance outcome of the system.