Linux solution helps company continue 163% growth

Linux has rapidly evolved from a niche and hobbyist toy to a credible environment in use at many businesses. Mainstream businesses are now seeing that Linux is maturing as a credible alternative to other operating environments from the cost, resource and control perspectives. Linux is well known for it’s security, stability and performance when compared to other operating systems.

These factors were considered when online insurance company, InsuranceWide.com wanted to expand their existing website. InsuranceWide’s IT development manager’s primary concerns were security and value for money. Having dismissed a Microsoft Windows solution due to security concerns, the obvious choice was Linux. Using Linux as their website solution has helped InsuranceWide reach number 26 in The Times Fast Track 100 fastest growing companies in the UK.

To maintain this growth, InsuranceWide approached ForLinux to help with the planning and deployment of a new Linux solution to host their new website.

One of the raging debates about Linux is the issue of where support comes from. One side of the debate argues that since Linux is maintained and enhanced by a community of loosely coupled developers, the ability to get guaranteed support is questionable. The other side of the debate argues that since the code is available to all, anyone can provide support and that self-support now becomes a lower cost and more viable option.

ForLinux, a Newark based company, fills the support gap. “Businesses want the benefits a Linux solution can give them but require a dedicated technical support team who can support their Linux systems” says Steve Nice, Technical Director for ForLinux.

ForLinux provided a complete solution for InsuranceWide.com that was delivered on time and to budget. Linux is not a panacea to solve all the woes of the average IT department. However, it is clearly a new opportunity to lower costs and maintain or expand functionality.