Linux operating system secures place on Middle East's technology agenda

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A number of leading educational, energy and financial organizations in the region have already migrated to new platforms driven by Linux.

Linux has become one of the major technology stories of the year, and looks likely to dominate the headlines into 2004, as major technology companies expand their range of appliances and solutions supporting it.

Experts at the Tech Access Solutions Center, one of the Middle East's leading solution testing facilities, have noted an increase in the number of companies looking to evaluate Linux solutions in recent months.

The testing laboratories at the Tech Access Solutions Center, which enable companies to build prototypes of technology solutions and evaluate their potential business benefits, have hosted several cutting-edge 'proof of concept' solutions deploying Linux during the second half of 2003.

'There's been a definite increase in the number of companies looking at Linux over the past six months,' said Martyn Molnar, business solutions architect, Tech Access. 'Our partners have brought customers to us which are looking to test Linux in a variety of arenas. What's interesting is the broad variety of organizations looking at Linux and the wide range of areas they are looking to deploy it in.'

'Often, companies are looking to use Linux for discrete services - like Web servers - within their technology operations, before they consider committing to using Linux in a larger role for their whole operating system,' added Molnar.

Many companies' initial interest in Linux was peaked by its potential to lower the total cost of ownership of their technology infrastructure, by cutting licensing fees and operating expenses.

However, executives at the Tech Access Solutions Center suggest that improvements in the support facilities for Linux in the Middle East have stimulated interest in recent months. In addition, they suggest that the wider availability of testing facilities is enabling companies to examine the option of deploying Linux before committing to it.

'Companies we are speaking to say they feel greater confidence in the long-term future and functionality of Linux, because of the higher levels of support provided by major players in this region. Sun Microsystems, for example, has made major strides in the Middle East by providing detailed support agreements for companies using Linux-loaded servers,' said Chris Saul, Systems Engineer, Tech Access.

Tech Access is currently examining a number of options for extending the support for Linux in the Arab world. One idea under discussion is to host regular meetings of a Linux User Group at the Tech Access Solutions Center, enabling organizations and technologists to exchange ideas, experiences and build improvements into the open source.

'It's important that the Solutions Center should support innovation and investigation in the Middle East technology and business community,' said Quentin Cornelius, chief operating officer, Tech Access. 'Many businesses are aware of Linux and its potential for reducing total cost of ownership, but they're looking for validation and research into the area before they decide to invest in it. We hope that the Solutions Center can play a major role in providing the evidence that can support the continued growth of Linux in the Middle East.'