Redefining OS Selection

Chapter 3. The Modern Linux Platform

The modern enterprise has, to a large extent, standardized server operations on Linux. This has been borne out over at least the past 10 years in numerous studies. To cite just one, SQ Magazine reported in August 2025 that 61.4% of large enterprises run at least one mission-critical workload on Linux and that 78.3% of internet-facing web servers run Linux.¹ This dominant position is the result of many years of growth—a trend that shows no signs of slowing.

In many cases, however, these statements never discuss individual distributions, leading many decision makers to believe that “all Linux is the same.” This is not true; while all Linux distributions use the basic Linux kernel, the way the kernel is deployed and the tool and application ecosystem around it can be very, very different.

What an organization needs to do is find key differentiators in the OSes they are evaluating. Many modern OSes have evolved cutting-edge features, but some handle these features differently than others, and some features are simply not available everywhere. Some of the most valuable features to look for include modern secure deployment models, AI-integrated system tools, fleet management tooling, enterprise-grade security, and expanded support and partner certifications. In addition, the capabilities of an OS need to be considered in light of the hosted workload requirements that will be running on it—best-of-breed capabilities that match modern requirements. ...