ITV switches on to Linux

Linux and open source software offers cost savings, flexibility and better security, according to ITV's director of operations and infrastructure, but is not always appropriate and needs to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Nick Leake explained that ITV had grappled with diverse systems, not least through the Carlton-Granada merger, and has recently been migrating several Unix server flavours to Linux.

"We replaced hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of [Unix] servers with about half the number running Linux, at a capital cost below our annual maintenance bill, and got a 20 to 30 per cent performance gain," he said.

Among other benefits, Leake identified the ability to amend the Linux kernel as vital to its Moving Picture Company subsidiary in producing some of the Harry Potter scenes.

Linux security is a major plus, he added, and internal ITV calculations showed that staff time was saved as a result of reduced patching.

But Gary Barnett, IT research director at analyst Ovum, warned: "The Linux kernel is very secure today. But you cannot govern software that runs on Linux."

Current Linux weaknesses include a shortage of skills and the need to port more applications.

Brian Green, director of Linux solutions marketing EMEA at Novell, claimed that the early high cost of Linux skills is now being eased.

"Linux is used in universities, and students often come out with skills that apply to the market, bringing down the cost," he said.

Leake advised that open source desktops should also be considered on a case-by-case basis, and said that Windows would remain dominant in this space for now.

But he admitted that over 50 per cent of ITV's Windows desktops are more than five years old.

"We have paid for six years of upgrades but not done so. What are we paying this insurance for?" he said.

The broadcasting company has not yet made a strategic decision on its long-term desktop direction, but some remote workers are now trying Citrix thin clients to emulate their desktops.

"It is not a Jihad. The need is to look at individual business cases," said Leake.