The Linux operating system was launched in 1991 by Linus Torvalds as a college project.
Since then it has grown into an affordable and popular replacement for Windows operating system.
The creators of Linux made is open source software and hence it is available free of cost.
It is a robust operating system that is being used by organisations like Google, Amazon, Facebook and Microsoft.
Almost all the software applications that we use are becoming browser based. Which means that to use those applications we only need a web browser. This makes the underlying operating system a bit more redundant.
This provides a spectacular opportunity for hotels to consider migrating their operating system to Linux.
With that being said, let’s look at the 5 main reasons why your hotel needs to migrate to the Linux operating system.
1. Many distros to choose from
Linux is open source and hence there are many options to choose from.
Every new type of Linux operating system is called a Linux distro. For most scenarios Ubuntu Linux is sufficient. It is user friendly, feature rich and fast even on old hardware.
You can download it free of cost from the internet and create a bootable usb drive and use it to install Ubuntu Linux on your computers.
2. Huge cost saving
As mentioned above Ubuntu Linux and almost every other Linux distro is free to use.
Yes you can use them free of cost even in your organisation. There is no pirated version or original version in Linux.
You just download the desired distro and start using it.
We use 100% Ubuntu Linux in Geedesk. It saves us a lot of money as we do not have to purchase any Windows operating system licences.
With Linux being free does not mean it is of poor quality. It is an enterprise grade operating system that is used by all top tech companies in the world.
3. Enhanced security
Linux operating systems are known for their security.
Linux operating system does not support .exe files and hence a virus or malware cannot install itself in the Linux environment.
Most computers running Linux are totally virus and malware free and do not need any anti virus software.
The architecture of the Linux operating system makes it difficult for viruses and malware to go mainstream and affect the entire operating system.
The Linux community is also super fast in fixing any security loopholes which further makes it difficult to be hacked.
Ubuntu Linux is one of the best options for hotels to migrate to Linux as it provides long term support (LTS) versions that are supported for a longer duration with respect to security updates.
4. Free support and updates
Linux operating systems provide free security and operating system upgrades on an ongoing basis.
For instance Ubuntu Linux supports its LTS (long term support) versions for a period of three years with security updates.
All these updates are absolutely free.
Administrators can also push these updates easily through an application called Landscape. Landscape makes it easy for administrators to perform updates on computers running Ubuntu Linux from a central location.
5. Fast even on old hardware
Most Linux operating systems are lightweight and hence do not require the latest hardware to run efficiently.
An old computer with 8GB RAM also performs well with the Linux operating system. So hotels do not have to spend capital on purchasing the latest hardware to manage their IT needs.
On the other hand Windows operating system is heavyweight and needs the latest RAM and CPU to perform well.
Conclusion
Migrating to Linux from Windows is a potent decision that hotels can consider this year.
The migration to the Linux operating system should be considered as a long term project and should be done in small phases.
Migrating all computers in one go is never a good idea.
Identify low risk departments. The first department to adopt the Linux operating system should be the IT team. In most cases engineering and housekeeping departments are also low risk departments that can adopt Linux.