Rebranding and plurality

Summary: The back end of enterprises is being accommodated by more and more brands, not just in software but also hardware

Supercomputers are the area most prominently ruled by GNU/Linux. GNU/Linux has bragging rights in this area [1] and the press should not shy away from GNU, as it so habitually does [2]. There are companies built around this area [3] and they ensure development of faster and more potent file systems. It should not be surprising that GNU/Linux also expands to other heavy-duty datacentre tasks such as communications [4] and web servers [5].

It should be noted that something rather fascinating is happening as a result of GNU/Linux expansion in the server side. Whereas Windows mostly sustained x86 monoculture, with GNU/Linux we see expansion to Power, ARM, and many more minority architectures (some are dying breeds). Based on [6-9], big GNU/Linux distro makers now target ARM, which tends to be more energy-efficient and "ethical" than x86 (Intel is a corrupt company).

In a sense, GNU/Linux domination in the back room is contributing to the elimination of not just software monopolists but also hardware monopolists. ⬆

Related/contextual items from the news:

1. Where Linux rules: Supercomputers

2. Amherst's Jon 'Maddog' Hall is still leading the Linux legions, from do-it-yourselfers to supercomputers





3. Cray Cluster Connect (C3) Lustre Storage for Linux

   Cray’s expert storage solutions are now available for popular x86 Linux clusters. Cray Cluster Connect (C3) offers a complete Lustre storage solution for x86 Linux. C3 brings Supercomputing-class scalability to data- and I/O-hungry Linux clusters.





4. Univention Corporate Server 3.2 with improved user guidance and compatibility

   Univention GmbH, one of Europe’s leading suppliers of Open Source products for the cost-efficient operation and efficient administration of IT infrastructures (www.univention.de), has now launched Release 3.2 of its enterprise Linux distribution Univention Corporate Server (UCS).





5. GoDaddy Revamps Linux Web Hosting with cPanel & WHM





6. Ubuntu Linux server with ARM processor rolled out by Boston Limited

   Boston Limited has announced a new server based on ARM processors and certified to run Ubuntu Linux 13.10, a move that could further stir up growing interest in ARM servers.





7. ARM-based Ubuntu Servers: Ready for Partners?





8. USENIX: Red Hat prepares for 64-bit ARM servers





9. New OpenSuse embraces 64-bit ARM