What is our primary use case?
I currently have the Ubuntu server edition installed across 200 Dell Servers running various projects, applications, and virtualization technologies. I have 70 Ubuntu Desktop editions running throughout my office, we have made a switch from Windows and will not be going back as the stability is incredible on an Ubuntu setup.
The installation is quickly done, the software is easily installed, and deployment can be automated across the workstation and server estates.
My support team also feels far more in control of their destiny when it comes to developing minor tools on the fly for their needs.
How has it helped my organization?
It has improved our ability to carry out maintenance without downtime as migrating services between server environments is largely seamless. Support for my users has become significantly easier as I can use Ubuntu tools to carry out the tasks on hand from a central location.
Ubuntu and other Unix operating systems have been community-driven so it's got tools that are community inspired and developed, with it being open-source, the cost is no longer a factor either and we can focus on providing the best possible solution to our customers.
What is most valuable?
There are far too many great features to mention, however, some are:
- Rsync for backups
- ZFS for snapshotting partitions
- LXD/LXC for containerization of services
- QEMU for Virtualisation of servers
- Seamless updating and upgrading
- Ansible for estate wide server administration
- Nagios for server monitoring
- Grafana with Prometheus/InfluxDB to provide metrics on performance
- LDAP for user management
These are only a few features that I make use of on a daily basis and from a sysadmin standpoint my life has become easier.
What needs improvement?
Ideally, I would like to have the following:
Server edition
- ZFS on the root (be able to natively install ZFS when carrying out the installation without hacking it together)
- Install grub at the start of the installation (it often can fail at the end of the installation causing some uphill but nothing major)
Desktop Edition
- More game support, specifically anti-cheat software is lacking support and hampering gaming on Linux
- More Nvidia GPU driver support
- Better WiFi driver releases from Intel
- More Themes
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Ubuntu server edition since 2010 and the desktop edition since 2011.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I have 200 real servers running Ubuntu with close to 1400 containers/VMs running the same operating system and it's supported all by two people since there are so many well-thought-out tools and bugs/issues that have been ironed out.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It can and has scaled almost endlessly in my environments. I have 200 servers running smoothly with long uptimes (the hardware has failed before the OS has).
How are customer service and support?
The Ubuntu and Linux community has been extremely helpful when it comes to issues we have experienced. Ubuntu logs data very well and it's often very self-explanatory how to resolve your issue if you do get stuck just pop onto the forums, post your issue and one of the gurus will have advice in no time.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We were making use of the Windows server edition for servers and Windows XP/7 for desktops throughout the organization.
We made the switch due to constant ransomware attacks, driver issues, and a lack of support from Microsoft in South Africa.
How was the initial setup?
The installation had a bit of a learning curve, however, thanks to their well-documented installation process on their website, once I got the hang of it we were off to the races.
Learning how to use the CLI was different, however, has become part of my daily driving of the OS.
What about the implementation team?
We implemented everything in-house and developed the tools required for our organization if there wasn't something available off the shelf.
What was our ROI?
It's a free solution; it's paid for itself in leaps and bounds.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
It's free and open source! Users should play and experiment to their heart's content and if they get stuck join the wonderful Ubuntu/Linux community to get the help you need.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We piloted with CentOS and RedHat, however, ultimately landed on Ubuntu as it was quickly rising in popularity and has become one of the most widely used in the world.
What other advice do I have?
The only way to get involved with Ubuntu is to dive in and embrace it; there is always a way to overcome your issue on a Ubuntu operating system.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.