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From Unix to Linux: Why businesses are making the switch

unix-linux-main.pngBy Francisco Frutos Lopez, Digital Transformation expert, HPE Services

Unix and Linux have been among the dominant operating systems for many years. Unix, developed in the 1970s, has been a mainstay in many corporate systems due to its stability and reliability.

However, in recent years, Linux has emerged as a powerful challenger, leading many organizations to consider migrating from Unix to Linux. They have discovered that migrating to Linux can provide a variety of benefits, from cost savings to improved virtualization capabilities.

Scaling without breaking the bank

One of the most compelling reasons to migrate from Unix to Linux is cost. Unix systems often  have high licensing fees, while Linux, being open-source, is free. Linux can handle demanding workloads at a fraction of the cost of proprietary Unix systems, leading to greater cost-effectiveness and lower total ownership cost. The savings can be substantial, especially for large organizations with numerous servers. Moreover, the absence of licensing fees means that you can scale your operations without incurring additional costs, making Linux an attractive option for growing businesses.

Versatile hardware support

Unix systems often require specific proprietary hardware, which can be expensive and challenging to maintain. On the other hand, Linux is known for its broad hardware compatibility. It can run on almost any hardware platform, from old desktops to modern servers, providing you with greater flexibility and reducing hardware costs. This flexibility also extends to peripherals, as Linux supports a wide range of devices. This means that you can choose the best hardware for your needs, rather than being restricted by the requirements of your operating system.

Future-proof IT with Linux

As technology evolves, so does software. Many modern software systems, like SAP HANA, run exclusively on Linux. By migrating to Linux, you can feel confident that your infrastructure remains compatible with these cutting-edge systems, effectively future proofing their operations. This compatibility extends to development tools and languages, with Linux offering excellent support for modern programming languages and development environments. This makes it easier for developers to create and deploy applications, increasing productivity and reducing time-to-market.

Linux: Ideal for virtualization

Virtualization is a key feature in modern IT infrastructure, allowing for efficient resource utilization and flexibility. Unlike many Unix systems, Linux supports modern hypervisors, providing more functionality and flexibility. This makes Linux a more suitable choice for organizations looking to leverage the benefits of virtualization. With Linux, you can run multiple virtual machines on a single server, maximizing resource utilization and reducing costs. Additionally, Linux’s robust compatibility for containerization technologies like Kubernetes further enhances its virtualization capabilities, enabling you to deploy and manage applications more efficiently.

Seamless Unix to Linux migration with HPE

HPE offers a full lifecycle of tools, frameworks, offerings, and capabilities for an end-to-end application transformation journey to hybrid cloud via HPE Application Modernization Services.

HPE Service experts help make certain that legacy applications continue to perform their intended function and leverage the benefits of their new hybrid cloud destination with new levels of agility, scale, and performance. HPE experts have more than two decades of experience migrating Unix to Linux environments, including proven processes and key tools to enable successful migrations.

The HPE Code Assessment Suite helps accelerate the migration from Unix legacy environments to more modern Linux environments. It minimizes project duration and risk, providing predictability to all projects thanks to its more than 20,000 rule engine and using AI accelerators.

While the migration process may be complex, the long-term benefits of switching to Linux from Unix are substantial. The cost savings, increased flexibility, compatibility with modern software systems, and robust community support make Linux a compelling choice for organizations looking to modernize their IT infrastructure.

With HPE as your transformation partner, you can benefit from future readiness, significantly improved performance, and the flexible control that HPE GreenLake offers.

Despite the challenges, with careful planning and execution, the migration from Unix to Linux can be a strategic move toward operational efficiency and future readiness. The journey may be challenging, but the destination is well worth the effort.

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photo2.pngMeet HPE Blogger Francisco Frutos Lopez, Digital Transformation expert, HPE Services

Francisco brings over 35 years of global experience in the IT industry, helping clients navigate the digital landscape. He provides strategic blueprints that unlock the potential of their digital ventures, bridging the gap between IT and business goals. By leveraging technology as a strategic asset, Francisco boosts productivity and reshapes business models to redefine core value propositions, enabling clients to achieve unprecedented growth and success.

 

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HPE Services Team experts share their insights on the topics and technologies that matter most for your business.