This section provides an overview for linux servers as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 20 linux server manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked linux server companies as of November, 2024: 1.Red Hat, Inc., 2.System76, Inc., 3.IONOS Inc..
Table of Contents
A Linux server is a server that uses the Linux operating system.
The Linux OS was originally developed in 1991 by a Finnish university student, Linus Torvalds, in a project. Since it was an open-source concept, it has the advantage of a low investment compared to using a Windows OS, which requires a fee, and since there is little virus software that targets the Linux OS, it has a comparative advantage in terms of security.
The OS itself is lighter than Windows, so it can run comfortably even on a slow CPU, but because it is open source, the speed of evolution is rapid. However, CUI (Character-based User Interface) is required for operation, which is a factor that raises the operational hurdle for user adaptation.
LINUX servers are used in a wide range of fields, including the following:
Linux servers can be used as servers to provide a variety of services.
A server is a computer that provides various services to client computers over a network. It responds to client requests provided over the network. A dedicated PC may be assigned to the server, but it is also possible to have both client and server software co-located on a single PC. In this case, it can function as a server or act as a client, depending on the situation. Multiple types of services can be provided on a single server.
Unlike the Windows OS, the Linux OS is open source, which is a major feature of the Linux OS, and it continues to evolve in a completely different way from Windows. Since the programs are open to the public, anyone can view and improve them and customize them for their own systems. Developers around the world continue to improve Linux, and there are a wide variety of Linux operating systems in existence today. The best known are CentOS, Ubuntu, and Red Hat Linux, but there are also Fedora Core, Vine Linux, and other Linux operating systems.
Not only Linux OSs but also servers offer a wide variety of services. Typical examples include the following:
Web servers: This is a service that holds web pages internally and sends out predetermined pages and data to the client when requested by the client. The client-side exchanges data with the server via a web browser.
FTP Server: A service that uploads and downloads data in response to client requests over a network.
Database: A management service that accesses and stores data held internally in response to requests from other server applications.
Mail Server: Receives e-mails sent from PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc., and delivers them to a designated mail server. On the other hand, the mail server receiving this mail retrieves the delivered mail from the mailbox in which it is stored and receives it. Other servers include file servers, printer servers, DNS servers, SSH servers, and proxy servers.
LINUX servers, especially those that are used for commercial purposes and have a high risk of data loss, must be backed up regularly. There are two types of backup methods as follows:
System backup: System backup means backing up everything on the system, including the OS. In the event of hardware failure, the backup image can be easily restored by installing it on new hardware. This can shorten the mean time to restore (MTTR) in the event of a failure.
Data Backup: Data backup is a method of backing up only data. To restore the data in the event of a failure, the OS and software must be installed individually to restore the data, but the time required to retrieve the backup is short. Generally, the method is to acquire system backups at regular intervals, such as one month, and data backups daily. This reduces the cost of the backup itself while shortening the MTTR in the event of a failure.
Linux OS is provided in the form of open source and is free of charge, but if you need support for commercial use, you need to choose a commercial Linux OS that comes with a fee. The most famous is Red Hat Enterprise Linux OS (RHEL), which requires a fee for use but provides security measures and support. Other well-known commercial Linux OSs include Oracle Enterprise Linux and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Red Hat, Inc. is a manufacturer of open-source software products established in 1993 and based in North Carolina, United States. It specializes in manufacturing Red Hat Enterprise Linux, OpenShift, and Ansible Automation platforms. It also manufactures virtualization, cloud, storage, management and automation systems. The company is a subsidiary of IBM and has partnered with Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and IBM Cloud. It obtained ISO 27001, ISO 27017, and ISO 27018 certifications. Its manufactured products are utilized in automotive, industrial, media and entertainment, financial, and telecommunications sectors across America.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) is a manufacturer, supplier, and provider of technology solutions and services. They offer a wide range of products, including servers, storage devices, networking equipment, software, and consulting services. HPE specializes in delivering innovative solutions to help businesses manage and optimize their IT infrastructure. With a strong hold in the technology industry, HPE is a provider of cutting-edge solutions for enterprises around the world. Their comprehensive portfolio and expertise make them a preferred choice for businesses seeking reliable technology solutions.
Newegg Inc., founded in 2001 and headquartered in California, USA, is a supplier of computer hardware and consumer electronics. The company offers various product offerings, which include consumer electronics, computer hardware and software, Gaming & VR, accessories, and a wide range of tech-related products. It holds ISO 9001, RoHS, and CE certifications for optimal performance and stable quality. Its broad range of products serves both individual consumers and businesses, spanning industries such as technology, gaming, home and office, and more, helping tech enthusiasts and professionals.
Networkworld, founded in 1996 and based in Needham Heights, Massachusetts, is a supplier known for its deep domain expertise in the modern enterprise data center. The company specializes in the latest networking, storage, servers, and virtualization technologies, providing valuable information, intelligence, and insights specifically tailored for Network and IT Executives. It is known for publishing, media content, software, and technology, offering a wealth of data that finds applications in critical areas such as disaster recovery, the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, infrastructure management, and unified communications.
CloudCone, LLC. is an American distributor of dedicated servers and cloud computing products, established in 2016 in Los Angeles, California. The company stocks DDaS protection devices supporting relay speeds of up to 1TBP/s, dedicated DELL machines, and scalable cloud servers. It also offers software products such as CDN NEXUS static and dynamic content delivery applications, virtual private servers, and one-click server optimization software. The company’s products are used mainly by clients in the web development, telecom, gaming, media industries, as well as in public utilities and e-commerce.
Sisense Inc. is an Israeli AI-driven business intelligence software developer and manufacturer established in Tel Aviv in 2004 before moving its headquarters to New York. The company’s product portfolio includes its Apps software that provides insights within business apps such as Slack or Salesforce, as well as its Analytics Platform cloud-native data analytics software which is embeddable into workflows and compatible apps. It also offers its AI software, which utilizes machine learning to automate visualization, analysis, and data preparation. The company’s products are marketed under SISENSE FUSION brand, and mainly sold through its sales offices in San Francisco, London, Tokyo, and Kiev.
IBM Corporation, founded in 1911, and headquartered in Armonk, New York, operates globally as a manufacturer and distributor offering Information technology (IT) solutions and services Its products and services includes computer hardware, middleware, software, and consulting services. Notable products include IBM SPSS Statistics for statistical analysis, IBM Watson Studio for AI model development, IBM Watson Assistant for customer support, and IBM Maximo for intelligent asset management. The company holds several certifications, including ISO 9001 for its quality management systems, ISO 14001 for environmental management, and ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety.
SUSE is based in Luxembourg, and is a developer and distributor of open source software that was established in 2014 following the acquisition of SUSE Linux GmbH by Micro Focus International PLC. The company provides a range of software-defined infrastructure solutions, including its RANCHER container management platform, MANAGER physical, virtual, and cloud IT management software, and ENTERPRISE STORAGE scalable storage solution for various data types. These are used mainly by its clients in the financial services, healthcare, and retail sectors.
VirtualHere Pty. Ltd. is an Australian USP over IP technology and software developer and distributor that was established in Paradise Point, Queensland in 2014. The company primarily offers its VIRTUALHERE USB Server, which is software allowing the use of USB devices over a remote network simulating a local connection on OSX, Android, Linux, and Windows operating systems, among others. It also provides software customization and technical support services to its customers. The company chiefly serves clients in the medical and gaming industries, as well as in the educational and industrial manufacturing sectors.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Red Hat, Inc. |
19.2%
|
2 | System76, Inc. |
14.6%
|
3 | IONOS Inc. |
8.5%
|
4 | CloudLinux Inc. |
7.7%
|
5 | Hewlett Packard Enterprise |
7.7%
|
6 | Networkworld |
6.9%
|
7 | Canonical Group Limited |
5.4%
|
8 | Newegg Inc. |
4.6%
|
9 | CloudCone, LLC. |
3.8%
|
10 | SUSE |
3.8%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the linux server page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 10 | 83.3% |
United Kingdom | 1 | 8.3% |
Luxembourg | 1 | 8.3% |