Linux will be the major server operating system by 2009, at the expense of proprietary Unix operating systems from HP, IBM and Sun.
That's according to the latest Butler Group report, which also backs Microsoft's .Net Web services framework as a long-term winner.
IT users have traditionally had to rely on the operating system (OS) that best accommodates specific applications, but the report finds IT managers will have more freedom to choose as independent software vendors certify applications for open source Linux.
The Butler Group report, "Server Operating Systems--Winners and Losers in the Open/Proprietary OS Market", considers 11 key server operating systems, judging each against technical and business criteria.
