Perhaps you'll be using your GNU/Linux server for mail or Web serving duties. You'll still want to verify that your application of choice is available on a particular distribution. Although offerings from companies like IBM (Domino and WebSphere) and Stalker Software (CommuniGate Pro) are available for GNU/Linux, the supported distribution list is limited.
And though it may be a no-brainer to go with industry favorite Apache as a Web server on GNU/Linux, you need to consider content-management systems and their support before making such a move. Most companies with a large or complex Web presence take advantage of content-management systems to distribute content. If your chosen distribution isn't supported by that system, it could spell disaster.
Management
Next take a look at how your GNU/Linux machine(s) will fit into your network and systems' management infrastructure. SNMP support is included in most distributions, but your architecture may require that specific agents be installed to properly monitor and manage the system. You may also need to consider an asset-management system. Make sure that an agent is available for the distribution if one is necessary.
Machine access should also be evaluated. If your architecture uses Active Directory for centralized authentication and authorization, you'll want to find out how each GNU/Linux distribution candidate handles this situation. Most systems can be configured for a variety of authentication schemes, including LDAP or NIS (Network Information Services), via PAM (Pluggable Authentication Modules). If you're using an automated provisioning system such as those from Business Layers or Access360, check its support of GNU/Linux to ensure a fit with your existing architecture.
Bob Friday, Chief AI Officer for Juniper Networks, explains how the advanced technology is transforming operations.
Contact center leaders from 8x8, Awaken Intelligence, and 360insight discuss the importance of agent experience.
AI may force enterprises to rewire parts of their data centers so they are fully optimized to run such workloads. The question is do you use Ethernet or InfiniBand?
