Risks of “Mixing and Matching” Open Source Software
The Linux operating system is a core set of functions that require additional application packages and services to meet the business needs of most customers. For example, transaction services (as required for systems processing airline reservations and financial activities) are not included. Customers requiring guaranteed transactions must purchase add-ons, such as BEA’s transaction processing monitor. For file serving, SAMBA is needed. Security services, such as Kerberos support, are also add-ons, as is an LDAP directory. While Linux supporters would point to the benefit of choice, decision-makers must bear in mind the consulting services, complexity introduced and additional time to market when piecing together software from multiple vendors (or the Linux community).
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