The road to Linux profit

With the increasing popularity of Linux, the market for Linux is also showing polarization: one is the creator of free software, and the other is similar to IBM companies; one side is a group that selflessly gives wisdom to everyone, and the other side is a group driven by interests. Although Linux has been in the media for two years, there are far more failure cases than success cases in Linux-related companies.

Although more and more individuals and group users use Linux, none of these companies make more money than IBM.

Most people try to find profit opportunities in four fields: distribution of Linux, provision of Linux technical support, development of open source code programs, sales of hardware to the Linux community, and sales of Linux applications. The first three fields have developed steadily, but industry observers are worried about the future.

Joe Barr, one of the editors of LinuxWorld.com, pointed out that there seems to be no profitable product in existing Desktop Linux applications. Since these applications do not necessarily have to sell too much money, why did the vendor make a hard investment? But in fact, to bring Linux to the peak, it is absolutely necessary for many free applications to work together, and the ideal can be achieved.

However, Linux has gradually gained a place in the field of servers. In this field, consumers are used to paying for software. In a profitable situation, the industry is naturally willing to invest in the market. But for users of desktop computers, it may take some time to wait until the popular linux fever ends.

In fact, the tornado of Desktop Linux is approaching, but before that, the biggest key lies in the system pre-installed when the computer leaves the factory. OEMs such as Compaq and IBM are still dependent on Microsoft's operating systems. Once Microsoft withdraws their pre-loaded system licenses, computer manufacturers will immediately rush into the Linux environment. When this happens, the development of Linux is hard to imagine.

Before this vision is implemented, users can still choose to use some free software and some paid software. But if everyone is reluctant to pay for software, how can Desktop Linux applications flourish? Barr believes that for the sake of Linux tomorrow, we should continue to actively support Linux, so that more choices can be made in the future.