Linux Operating System Market Analysis

Linux Operating System Market Overview

The Linux Operating System Market is expected to be valued at USD 7.135 billion in 2022 and will exceed USD 15.431 billion by 2032 with a CAGR of 8.9% during the forecast period (2022-2032). Linux is an operating system that connects the hardware with the software. Linux OS consists of two modes for execution- kernel mode and the user mode. It is the Linux kernel that provides all the required components of an operating system and it comes with many privileges. Linux operating system is just like other operating systems- Windows, iOS, or OS X. Linux is an open-source operating system that has made codes used to make the software free and available for users to view, distribute and edit. Linux OS has been distributed to some of the major key players of Linux OS Market. It is distributed for various devices among the leading players of the market such as for desktops, servers and workstations. Linux based OS is being supported by the vendor who distributes the OS under an open-source license. The market of Linux OS is going through and optimum growth that has doubled the digit of shares.

Linux, a Unix-like open-source operating system, is widely used across computers, servers, mobile devices, and embedded systems. It is supported on various platforms, including x86, ARM, and SPARC. Linux operates based on a standard design but offers diverse distributions designed for specific functions and user experiences. The Linux kernel, published under the GNU GPL open-source license, ensures reliability, stability, and backward compatibility. Linux is cost-effective due to its lack of licensing fees, making it an attractive choice for IT organizations. Additionally, its versatility allows users to configure and run Linux on a wide range of hardware platforms, enhancing its applicability for various purposes.

Figure 1: Linux Operating System Market Size, 2022-2032 (USD Billion)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Linux Operating System Market Covid Analysis

The covid-19 pandemic has created panic all over the world. The majority of Governments of countries all across the world are taking precautions and strict actions to disrupt the spread of the deadly virus. This pandemic has impacted many industries and businesses hugely, though the Linux OS vendors are likely to see minimal effect of the virus across the globe. Moreover, the market is expected to witness a rapid recovery in the post-covid time. In fact, the market is also expected to witness remarkable growth in the forecast period, as the reports suggest. 

Market Dynamics

The reason behind Linux Operating System Market Growthis the increasing demand for an open-source operating system and an operating system more secured than Windows. Also there is a demand in the market for the growing usage of user-friendly graphical user interfaces and increasing level of adoption of Linux operating systems among small and medium-sized businesses to reduce the initial cost and improve the business efficiency. 

Linux OS has various advantages such as usability and cost-effectiveness and these are the reasons behind many IT organisations are deploying the operating system on desktops. Also, workstations with Linux operating OS provide high performance. Linux OS provide virtualisation and is capable of handling multiple users at the same time; these are the primary concern and need of any IT organisations. Red Hat, Inc. Holds a significant amount of share in the distribution of the operating system for organisation workstations.

The distributors of the Linux based operating systems are the server market dominators as Linux operating system provides a safe and secure platform to manage the workload of an organisation. Notable companies like Amazon, Facebook, Google, twitter use the Linux OS market share to run their huge server cluster on it. Debian, CentOS, Ubuntu Server, Gentoo, and Slackware- these are the leading Linux OS providers.

Drivers

As far as the drivers of the market for Linux Operating systems are concerned, there are two primary contributors. Firstly, there has been a need and demand for open-source OS for quite some time now. Secondly, based on the security concerns, Linux as an operating system is much more secure than windows from various perspectives. In addition to this, the growing demand for hardware and related accessories for Gaming purposes will also have a positive impact on the market. 

In this aspect, one of the interesting facts is the dominance of Linux amongst the top 500 supercomputers throughout the globe. On top of this, Linux kernel is arguably the largest installation base for android based systems for tab and smart phones. Therefore, due to its nature of being an open-source OS and flexibility, this is going to get more preference for embedded systems and servers. These are interesting and encouraging facts, which eventually play the role of catalysts for the growth of the overall market for Linux Operating systems. 

Restrains

The only concern for the growing market for Linux operating systems is the extent of competition it is facing from the Windows Operating system.

Though in this aspect, we must not forget that Linux can be converted into a more user-friendly one with the help of a graphical user interface. Additionally, the overall reach of Linux needs steep growth, and this is possible only with greater usage and reach amongst the small and medium scale organizations. 

Linux Operating System Market Segment Overview

The segmental Linux Operating System Market Analysis is based on the four segments. Such as type, device type, applications, and region.

By Type:

Based on type, the global market of Linux OS is sub-segmented into user mode and kernel mode.

By Device Type:

The device type of the global market comprises of servers and workstations. The overall market share of a huge amount, as much as 76.4%, has been already secured by the workstation itself in the year 2018 itself; this amounts to a whopping value of 2316.3 (USD) million. In fact, as per the expectation, this segment itself can register a CAGR of 19.2% during the period of forecast. The valuation of the Server vertical was 715.1 million (USD), and it is anticipated that this would register a 15.9% CAGR. 

By Application:

Depending on applications, the global market of Linux OS is divided into two segments- Individual and Enterprise. The biggest market share was secured by the Enterprise segment in 2018 with a massive 90.4%, which is of a humongous market value of 2471.7 million. As per the expectation, it is supposed to register an 18.8% CAGR during the forecast period. On the other hand, the individual segment is anticipated to register a 14.6 % CAGR.

By Region:

Following are the primary regions as far as the Linux operating system is concerned:

• North America


• Europe


• Asia Pacific


• South America


• The Middle East and Africa

Linux Operating System Market Regional Analysis

In North America, U.S dominates the largest Linux Operating System Market Share because of the advancements in technology and trends. Ever since the computer has started being used for professional uses, Linux OS has only grown remarkably. In 2017, North America held the largest share of the market with 36.5%, with a magnificent market value of USD 1,107.0 million. Therefore it is expected that in the Linux Operating System Market Forecast period, this market will grow remarkably with a CAGR of 18.7%. Competitive players like IBM corporations and Red Hat Inc are the main driving forces behind the growth of the market. 

The European region was the second largest market shareholder of the Linux OS, with a value of USD 929.9 million in 2018. Now, the growth of this regional market is expected to be with a CAGR of 20.4%. The main driving force in this region is the financial organisations adopting Linux based server farms.

Linux Operating System Market Major Key Players

• Ubuntu (Canonical Ltd) (UK)


• IBM Corporation (US)


• elementary, Inc.


• Linux Mint (UK)


• Debian


• Arch Linux


• SUSE


• Manjaro


• Red Hat, Inc (US)

Recent Development

In February 2023, Elektrobit and Canonical unveiled EB corbos Linux, an open-source Linux platform tailored specifically for automotive software. Based on Ubuntu, this innovative solution accelerates the development of electronic control units while ensuring compliance with automotive production processes.

In February 2023, SAP SE forged a strategic partnership with Red Hat, Inc., aimed at supporting industries utilizing SAP for cloud transformation. This collaboration leverages Red Hat Enterprise Linux to provide SAP clients with a flexible and secure cloud environment, fostering intelligent business operations and more efficient workflows.

In September 2022, SUSE Group joined forces with Amazon Web Services, Inc., to assist SAP customers in transitioning to the cloud seamlessly. This collaboration offers SAP solutions on the SUSE Linux operating system, ensuring a swift and reliable platform for the mission-critical migration of customers' data and applications.

In May 2022, Google LLC invested in a Linux security initiative, focusing on enhancing the Linux operating system. The project aimed to create software enhancing smartphone security and internet connectivity, thereby contributing to a safer digital environment.

In March 2022, cPanel LLC partnered with Ubuntu to introduce its cPanel & WHM version. This collaboration resulted in an open-source Linux distribution architecture that prioritizes security and stability, catering to the diverse needs of businesses and ensuring a reliable operating environment.