'Linux making progress, but still 2-5 yrs from mainstream use'

Linux has matured as an established operating system environment in the past two years but its biggest test continues to be whether it can help run data centre servers for mission-critical applications, according to a Gartner report.

Gartner in its 'Hype Cycle for Linux 2005' reports illustrates how, over the past two years, Linux has matured as an established operating system environment, primarily on one- to four-processors.

However, Gartner found that for eight processors and beyond, Linux must demonstrate performance, security and application proof points based on the 2.6 version of the kernel. The study indicates that this Open-source operating system is 2-5 years behind mainstream use.

The Gartner Hype Cycle for Linux 2005 is a graphical representation of the maturity, adoption and business application of Linux.

The Hype Cycle shows that Linux is, as a mission-critical system, almost half way along the technology trigger "" the first phase of a Hype Cycle in which the product has generated significant press interest. This represents some progress from 2004, even though leading-edge organisations are at an early phase in deploying it.

By the end of 2005, Gartner expects increased commercialisation of Linux in areas such as improved storage and systems management.

At this time, Linux is used primarily for WebSphere and infrastructure applications on mainframes, Web services on blades and racks, computer clusters and some Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) systems.

On the desktop, the positions are based on Linux's functional use, and on its degree of complexity and cost for mainstream businesses, mainstream consumers and data entry.

Data entry is the most promising, having passed the Trough of Disillusionment, a period when a technology does not live up to its over-inflated expectations and rapidly becomes unfashionable.

Mainstream business use of Linux is nearing the Peak of Inflated Expectations, where the costs of migration may exceed the cost benefits.

This phase is characterised by over-enthusiasm and unrealistic projections when flurries of well publicised activity by technology leaders results in some successes, but more failures, as the technology is pushed to its limits.