I'm currently running a server on Ubuntu and have transitioned my development machine to NixOS. I'm looking to build IT automation software and need advice on which operating system to focus on. I know larger companies, like Google and Meta, often use proprietary tools, but I'm curious about small to mid-sized businesses. Which operating systems do they typically prefer for their server setups? Would it be wise to stick with Ubuntu, explore other options, or even support multiple OSes in my software? Your insights and experiences would be greatly appreciated!
5 Answers
It often varies by industry, but a mix of operating systems is quite common. For Linux, I frequently see Debian, openSUSE, RHEL, or Ubuntu being used. However, many businesses are moving towards cloud solutions, reducing the need for on-prem servers.
The choice of OS really depends on the specific needs of a business. Typically, you would want Windows for local operations, but there are situations where Linux is necessary. If you can support multiple operating systems, that might be the way to go to cater to a wider audience.
Most businesses lean towards Windows for their server needs, especially those that utilize Active Directory. If they do opt for Linux, Ubuntu and RHEL are popular choices. It's essential to pick the right tool for the job.
In my experience, small to medium businesses predominantly use Microsoft Windows Server, especially with a focus on cloud integration and tools like Microsoft Teams and OneDrive. It's becoming less common to find businesses using Linux unless there's a specific requirement.
I get that! Moving to a cloud-first model seems to be the trend these days.
Although I've noticed many companies still rely on Windows, I believe there's a growing interest in Linux solutions, especially with cloud services becoming more accessible. If you're comfortable with Windows, it might be a practical choice for your software.
Exactly! The right tool can save you a lot of time and hassle.