Debian Linux 5.0 (Lenny)
Choosing an operating system to use as a basis for a server application can be a difficult task. If you are operating in a mixed environment or are setting up an entirely new team without any existing infrastructure you will have to make the decision based on a number of factors including:
- How easy it will be to recruit a team familiar with the technology
- The level of support you will get from the company/community
- The cost of the software
- How easy it is to integrate the software with other tools
- Whether the software is able to meet changing needs in the future
We Prefer Debian
At 3aims we are technology experts and strongly prefer working with open source software although we are comfortable with Windows-based systems too. Debian 5.0 is by far our preferred platform. It is stable, reliable and easy to work with.
The Debian community is very strong and very knowledgable. If you are doing something unusual there is almost always someone who has trodden a similar path before and documented it. The wealth of information about Debian in blogs, forums and wikis proves invaluable.
Debian is also stable, reliable, predicatable and well-respected. It doesn't contain bleeding-edge software in the stable distribution so you can be sure that everything it does contain has been well-tested and works will with other components you are likely to install.
Unlike many other distributions, Debian is not controlled by a commercial company behind the scenes. This means that the distribution isn't affected by any pressures the commercial company might be subject to. Debian also has very stringent community values of stability and strict adherence to open source values. This means you can be sure that Debian is truly free and will remain so in the future.
The Social Contract
Debian is a very well respected Linux operating system with a strict set of guidelines known as the Debian Social Contract. This document ensures all of its software is free for everyone to use and improve.
Our Involvement
Although we play no official part in the Debian community we are involved in a number of ways.
