Close
  • Latest News
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Video
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Storage
  • Sponsored
  • Mobile
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
Read Down
Sign in
Close
Welcome!Log into your account
Forgot your password?
Read Down
Password recovery
Recover your password
Close
Search
Logo
Subscribe
Logo
  • Latest News
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Video
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Storage
  • Sponsored
  • Mobile
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
More
    Subscribe
    Home Applications
    • Applications
    • Development
    • Mobile
    • Servers

    10 Reasons Why the Linux Community Could Influence iPhone Sales

    Written by

    Don Reisinger
    Published February 8, 2010
    Share
    Facebook
    Twitter
    Linkedin

      eWEEK content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.

      Although the combined market share of Linux distributions pales in comparison with Windows or Mac OS X, the Linux community is strong, engaged and, perhaps most importantly, loyal. Part of that is due to the community’s strong feelings against closed software, especially products sold by Microsoft. It’s also due to Linux’s creator, Linus Torvalds, who still commands a massive amount of respect and admiration sometimes bordering on adoration.
      Over the weekend, Torvalds wrote on a personal blog that although he can’t stand mobile phones, he was pleasantly surprised by Google’s Nexus One smartphone. Torvalds called the device a “winner” and said he’s happy with its design. And since the phone runs a version of Linux, he was even more willing to pick it up.
      The importance of Torvalds’ endorsement of the Nexus One can’t be understated. In many ways, the Linux community follows his lead. When he offers an opinion, the community rallies behind him. The Nexus One will be no different. And considering that the Nexus One competes against Apple’s iPhone, Torvalds’ endorsement could have a more profound impact on iPhone sales than we might expect.
      Let’s take a look at why Torvalds and the Linux community could affect iPhone sales, while helping Google’s Android platform.
      1. Open source means everything
      To the Linux community, open-source software means everything. Linux fans believe that the finest software can only be improved with the help of users around the globe. They fundamentally disagree with the belief that a handful of developers can produce a proprietary software application that is superior to an open-source alternative. In the open-source community’s view, the Nexus One and Google’s Android platform provide open alternatives to the iPhone, making Apple’s device less capable and thus less desirable.
      2. Torvalds’ opinion matters
      Torvalds is still highly regarded in the Linux community. When he speaks, those who subscribe to his beliefs on open-source software and the viability of open operating systems listen. He has come out in support of the Nexus One in part because it runs Linux. That might be enough for the huge Linux community to get behind Google and decide against buying iPhones.
      3. The Linux community is faithful
      Although there are several distributions that pit one part of the Linux community against another, in the mobile space, those folks don’t need to choose. The iPhone is a closed device. Only Google’s Android platform can adequately supply the Linux community with the key element they desire. The Linux community knows that. And it likely will affect how Linux proponents choose smartphones.
      4. There are more than you think
      After examining OS market-share figures, many believe that Linux followers are few and far between and they don’t necessarily matter to a company’s bottom line. It’s a faulty conclusion. The Linux community is huge. Millions of people around the globe support open-source software and all that Linux stands for. They rebel against closed software. Apple’s iPhone is included in that grouping. And unless Apple decides to make the iPhone OS open source, it will stay in that unfavorable category.

      Google Cultivates Open-Source Fans

      5. The Linux community is growing
      The Linux community is growing relatively rapidly. Recent market-share figures reveal that more people are adopting Linux. In other software markets, open-source offerings are growing at an astounding rate to the detriment of closed software. Unlike Apple, Google realized that and opted for an open operating system. Apple and its iPhone might be battling an enduring trend. That can’t be good for iPhone sales.
      6. They’re usually the advisers
      For the most part, the Linux community is composed of people who fully understand and follow the tech industry. Because of that, they’re typically called upon by others for advice on buying tech products. If a Linux user rails against the iPhone, some might opt for a Nexus One or another Android-based device. Linux users know what they’re talking about and share their knowledge. That word of mouth could be to the detriment of Apple’s iPhone.
      7. Torvalds can effect change
      Torvalds is more of a figurehead today than the true decider of Linux’s fate. But as the figurehead, he can rally the Linux community unlike any other open-source supporter. He has been a key reason why Microsoft has been forced to deal with open-source software so often in the past. He’s also why some open-source products became popular. By getting the Linux community behind Google’s Nexus One, Torvalds might push a sizable customer base away from the iPhone.
      8. Google cultivates the relationship
      Unlike Apple, Google realizes the power and influence Torvalds and the Linux community really have. Whether or not Google truly believes in open standards is up for debate. But the company was smart enough to realize that if it can get a rabid community behind it, it might be able to more efficiently improve its operating system, while capitalizing on Linux’s immense influence. It was a smart move on Google’s part. And for its efforts, Google might be able to convince some to turn away from the iPhone and opt for Android instead.
      9. The community gets even
      The Linux community doesn’t simply support an open-source project and do nothing. Instead, it gets behind that project and does everything it can to see it succeed. In some cases, that means improving the software. In other cases, it means railing against the competition, highlighting the competition’s flaws and bringing about change through activism. Microsoft has learned that lesson the hard way. Will Apple and its iPhone learn the same lesson?
      10. Changes aren’t coming
      As innovative as Apple might be, it simply doesn’t believe in offering open-source software. That’s understandable. Steve Jobs is running a company that has generated record profits over the past few years due in large part to its closed software. But as the industry and the users turn more to open-source software, how much longer can Apple hold out before that policy starts impacting sales?
      Torvalds’ support might be a first step in that direction. If the Linux community gets behind him, Apple might feel the effect millions of Linux users can have on a bottom line.

      Don Reisinger
      Don Reisinger
      Don Reisinger is a longtime content writer to several technology and business publications. Over his career, Don has written about everything from geek-friendly gadgetry to issues of privacy and data security. He became an eWEEK writer in 2009 producing slide shows focusing on the top news stories of the day. When he's not writing, Don is typically found fixing computers or playing an old-school video game.

      Get the Free Newsletter!

      Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis

      Get the Free Newsletter!

      Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis

      MOST POPULAR ARTICLES

      Artificial Intelligence

      9 Best AI 3D Generators You Need...

      Sam Rinko - June 25, 2024 0
      AI 3D Generators are powerful tools for many different industries. Discover the best AI 3D Generators, and learn which is best for your specific use case.
      Read more
      Cloud

      RingCentral Expands Its Collaboration Platform

      Zeus Kerravala - November 22, 2023 0
      RingCentral adds AI-enabled contact center and hybrid event products to its suite of collaboration services.
      Read more
      Artificial Intelligence

      8 Best AI Data Analytics Software &...

      Aminu Abdullahi - January 18, 2024 0
      Learn the top AI data analytics software to use. Compare AI data analytics solutions & features to make the best choice for your business.
      Read more
      Latest News

      Zeus Kerravala on Networking: Multicloud, 5G, and...

      James Maguire - December 16, 2022 0
      I spoke with Zeus Kerravala, industry analyst at ZK Research, about the rapid changes in enterprise networking, as tech advances and digital transformation prompt...
      Read more
      Video

      Datadog President Amit Agarwal on Trends in...

      James Maguire - November 11, 2022 0
      I spoke with Amit Agarwal, President of Datadog, about infrastructure observability, from current trends to key challenges to the future of this rapidly growing...
      Read more
      Logo

      eWeek has the latest technology news and analysis, buying guides, and product reviews for IT professionals and technology buyers. The site’s focus is on innovative solutions and covering in-depth technical content. eWeek stays on the cutting edge of technology news and IT trends through interviews and expert analysis. Gain insight from top innovators and thought leaders in the fields of IT, business, enterprise software, startups, and more.

      Facebook
      Linkedin
      RSS
      Twitter
      Youtube

      Advertisers

      Advertise with TechnologyAdvice on eWeek and our other IT-focused platforms.

      Advertise with Us

      Menu

      • About eWeek
      • Subscribe to our Newsletter
      • Latest News

      Our Brands

      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms
      • About
      • Contact
      • Advertise
      • Sitemap
      • California – Do Not Sell My Information

      Property of TechnologyAdvice.
      © 2024 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

      Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.