Linux spreading, but Windows Server still rules in India

Stephen Withers
Monday, 12 July 2010 17:01

Business IT - Open Source

The use of Linux as a server operating system in India is growing, with SMEs leading the way. But Windows - specifically Windows Server 2003 - still holds the lion's share of the market.

According to an industry research firm, Linux now accounts for 8.1% of the server market in India.

Figures published by Springboard Research show that Linux server use is higher in the SME sector (8.3%) than among enterprises (5.9%). Springboard defines enterprise sites as those with more than 1000 devices.

The study covered sites with a total of 408,756 server devices.

A variety of factors are cited as promoting the adoption of Linux as a server OS: low cost of ownership, a perception of minimised security threats, lack of piracy-related issues, a strong online support community, and the availability of staff with the necessary technical skills.

"An interesting trend that has gained momentum in the recent past is the SMB demand for customised solutions. Today, enterprises look for products and solutions specifically designed to meet both their and their customers' needs and open-source solutions offer that flexibility," said senior research analyst Sameer Bhatnagar.

So SMEs are leading the way to Linux - but which vertical markets are seeing the most adoption? Please read on.