For example, International Data Corp. reported a server OS growth rate of 15 percent from 1995 to 1996. But in some ways, this trend doesn't make sense. The Fortune 1000 have had PC servers for their desktops for years.
New servers are more powerful than the old ones.
On the contrary, the penetration of new PC servers into small businesses seems to be driving the latest growth of server OSes. Many of them are now upgrading to real server computing. Most small businesses need a file and print engine for sharing disks and printers, and many of them want to have an Internet presence. Generally they also have a few business-critical applications, such as an accounting application or a specialized vertical package. This third-party software may actually drive their purchasing decisions.