There are many attractive reasons for choosing Linux as your server operating system, including the sticker cost. However, there is one choice that could have a significant long-term impact – do you self-support or take out a professional Oracle Linux support subscription? This decision will significantly impact operational efficiency and costs.
With that in mind, why should you consider investing in Oracle Linux Support?
The hidden costs of self-support
At first glance, self-support might seem like a cost-saving option, particularly when selecting a ‘free’ Linux distro. However, the headline saving is often quickly wiped out by hidden expenses. Your IT team may require additional training to manage an increasingly complex Linux environment for instance. This not only incurs costs but also diverts valuable time and resources away from other strategic activities. In the event of a significant outage, overtime pay for resolving issues and the financial impact of system disruption can add up quickly.
According to a study by the Uptime Institute, over two-thirds of IT outages result in costs exceeding $100,000 (£76,000). Outages managed by smaller firms reliant on self-support can be particularly damaging. The headline financial losses are shocking, but there are intangible costs to consider too. Compliance breaches and associated fines, reputational damage and missed commitments to customers or stakeholders could result in lawsuits – the costs just keep mounting up.
How Oracle Linux Support pays for itself
Oracle Linux Support has been tailored to provide your business with robust tools and services that enhance system stability, security, and performance. Consider Oracle Ksplice which offers zero downtime system patching. This technology allows you to apply critical security patches without rebooting your systems, ensuring continuous availability. Zero really does mean zero, helping you avoid costly downtime – even if it is scheduled.
Oracle Linux Support also includes access to a suite of comprehensive tools such as Oracle OS Management Hub and Oracle Linux Manager. These tools simplify complex administration tasks like system monitoring, patch management, and configuration updates. You also benefit from automation tools based on Ansible/AWX and Kubernetes orchestration for managing your containerised applications.
Don’t forget the intangible benefits too
Oracle Linux Support delivers 24×7 global assistance in 145 countries and 29 languages. No matter where your operators or data centres are located, a trained expert is always at hand to resolve issues efficiently. The service also provides lifetime sustaining support for older software components like Python 2 and OpenSSL 1.0.2. So even if your critical, legacy applications rely on components that have reached end-of-life in the community, you still have support available when required.
When you are in the middle of a system incident, the last thing you want is another layer of bureaucracy. Instead, Oracle takes the lead, working with Independent Software Vendors (ISVs), Independent Hardware Vendors (IHVs), and programs like TSANet to streamline problem resolution across complex IT environments. Facilitating a collaborative approach across vendors helps to reduce the burden on your internal IT teams and ensures faster issue resolution.
The Oracle Linux Support team works alongside support experts for other Oracle technologies too. With access to experts in Oracle Database, MySQL, Oracle Java, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, and Oracle Fusion Cloud
Applications, you can be sure your entire Oracle tech stack is protected.
Cloud-native capabilities for modern workloads
As you adopt cloud-native architectures, Oracle Linux Support delivers CNCF-certified Kubernetes modules for developing container-based microservices. These capabilities go beyond the core operating system, extending to KVM-based virtualisation, infrastructure management and automation based on Ansible/AWX, and containers and Kubernetes orchestration.
Support your way
Oracle offers flexible support options such as Premier Support and Basic Support tiers. These can be augmented with personalised assistance in the form of Technical Account Managers (TAMs). TAMs can provide tailored guidance and proactive support so you get the service you need, when you need it, how you want it.
TAMs can also connect you with Oracle Linux Consulting for complex deployments or business-critical projects. These services ensure you maximise the value of their investment in Oracle Linux while minimising risks.
Finishing up
Investing in Oracle Linux Support isn’t just about avoiding hidden costs – it’s a strategic decision to unlock the full potential of your IT infrastructure while safeguarding your business against risks. Whether you’re running on-premises systems, embracing cloud-native technologies, or operating a combination of the two, Oracle Linux provides the reliability and flexibility you need to succeed in an increasingly competitive environment.
To learn more about Oracle Linux Support and how WTL can help you protect your Oracle tech stack, please get in touch.