Linux: A Year Full of Milestones

To say Linux is an enigma in today’s world is an understatement. The open source platform available for free faces stiff competition from the more fancy and glamorous iOS, Windows and Android, yet it manages to hold its own. Despite having to stay in the shadows of the big guns, Linux continues to thrive and grow. Based on the performance of the platform this year, there is no doubt that it has had a year full of milestones.

No Controversies

What has been the most remarkable thing about Linux in 2012 is that it has managed to stay free of controversy. The fact that money isn’t a major concern for the platform and most of the people working are doing so independently, the platform usually manages to stay out of the spotlight. However, 2012 has not been a kind year for the big players in the industry. Apple, Samsung and Microsoft all have had their fair share of controversies and problems, but not Linux.

Torvalds Wins Millennium Technology Prize

The founder and creator of Linux, Linus Torvalds was awarded the Millennium Technology Prize for his contribution to the world of technology. Linux has been his most significant achievement. The fact of the matter is that the Millennium Technology Prize is considered the Nobel Prize in this industry. Torvalds win signifies that Linux is here to stay.

Linux Vendor Makes $1 Billion

Red Hat is among the leading vendors of Linux developed software and operating systems. The vendor reported that it had revenues of a billion dollars to show for the year, which is the biggest ever amount of money earned by an open source vendor in a year.

Acceptance by the Auto Industry

Toyota became the first major automobile company to join the Linux foundation. It is an endorsement to the growing usability of Linux-based programs and software in cars. Over time, Linux has developed compatibility with gadgets used by people in their cars.

The Success of Android

Most people are not aware of the fact that Android is a Linux-based operating system. All the success Android has achieved with the huge sales of smartphones and tablets is a testament to the quality of Linux. According to reports, Android is quickly being accepted by the general public and it accounts for over 40% of the market for all devices.

Steam Is Launched

A distribution platform designed exclusively for gaming named Steam was launched this year. The platform runs on Linux and gives users access to more mainstream games than ever before. Some experts have suggested that this was the final hurdle Linux needed to cross to become as user-friendly as Microsoft.

Linux Dominates Supercomputers

Last, but not the least, Linux has become the OS of choice in supercomputers. In fact, it has a virtual monopoly. According to the information available, over 450 of the leading supercomputers around the world run on Linux.

These are a few of the milestones achieved by Linux in 2012. It is a partial list and there are several other great things which the open source platform managed to achieve. For those people doubting the viability of Linux in this day and age, one look at the list is enough to see that Linux is only getting better.

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