The Limitations Of Linux

Source: Forbes

There have been so many glowing stories on the use of Linux that one might come away with the impression that Linux is an elixir that solves myriad business problems, and that it is always cheaper than alternatives. But like a lot of technologies before it, Linux has, to some degree, been overhyped. There is no question that companies can sometimes cut costs and increase productivity by using Linux systems instead of Unix or Microsoft (nasdaq: MSFT - news - people ) Windows. But there are costs and technical limitations associated with Linux that don't typically make headlines.

Customers say these include a lack of mature development tools, too many Linux variants, acquisition costs for more sophisticated versions of the software and lack of applications for small and medium-sized businesses.