Linux is emerging as a top choice for developers and tech enthusiasts alike. Did you know that Linux ranks as the second most popular operating system in India after Windows, holding 14.6% of the market share? It’s clear that Linux is driving innovation across various domains—whether it’s powering gaming, productivity, entertainment, or education.
However, the wide range of Linux distributions, each with its unique tools and protocols, can make devices tough to manage, especially when compared to other operating systems.
It’s important for IT admins to understand the basics to overcome these challenges and manage devices effortlessly. Let’s start by exploring why Linux support is crucial in today’s enterprises.
Why Linux support matters in today’s enterprises?
Linux has been around for quite some time, but it is quickly gaining traction across various enterprises, especially in tech startups, educational institutions, and government sectors—thanks to its security, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. For instance, China’s government is making headlines by actively replacing all systems with a Linux-based OS called OpenKylin. This growth is largely due to its open-source nature, which has captivated countless developers who have contributed their expertise to its repository.
Linux serves as the backbone for numerous enterprise applications, including web browsers, media players, office suites, and development tools. Its versatility is evident in its widespread adoption across various devices, from servers and desktops to laptops, smartphones, and even embedded systems. The Linux market is projected to soar from USD 6.27 billion in 2022 to USD 22.15 billion by 2029, making it essential for enterprises to invest in effective Linux device management to stay relevant.
However, managing a mix of operating systems can create headaches for IT departments trying to align their fleet of devices to the same operational standard. This complexity is where Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solutions like NBS Group enter the picture. By providing a centralized platform for managing devices across multiple operating systems, UEM simplifies administration, strengthens security, and unifies control under one system.
Addressing common pain points in Linux device management
Managing Linux devices can be challenging, but the best approach is to identify the pain points and choose a solution that directly addresses them. Let’s take a look at how NBS Group deals with the most frequent issues enterprises face.
Fragmented Linux ecosystem: One of the biggest challenges with Linux is its highly fragmented ecosystem, where different distributions require different configurations and management methods. This creates a heavy IT workload, with admins needing to juggle manual interventions across various sub-distributions.
NBS Group’s solution: NBS Group provides unified support for popular sub-distributions of Fedora and Debian. This means that instead of needing different tools or processes for each, you can manage them all seamlessly from a single platform with consistent policies and actions.
Complexity of cross-platform management: Managing devices running diverse OS can lead to inconsistent workflows, with IT teams often relying on multiple tools to get the job done.
NBS Group’s solution: NBS Group’s integrated platform consolidates all major OS management—including Linux—under one roof. By doing so, it streamlines processes and reduces the need for multiple tools, making cross-platform management less of a headache.
Insufficient options for advanced configurations: Organisations often face challenges when their management tools lack the flexibility for advanced configurations, making it difficult to apply specific settings that align with their operational needs.
NBS Group’s solution: NBS Group provides a variety of advanced configuration options for Linux devices. This includes customizing password policies, adjusting Wi-Fi settings, and applying content filters, enabling admins to meet their exact requirements and maintain security.
Limited remote support: When IT teams can’t remotely troubleshoot devices, it leads to longer downtimes and frustrated users. Linux devices are notorious for being tricky to manage remotely.
NBS Group’s solution: NBS Group addresses this challenge by offering advanced remote actions. Admins can troubleshoot from anywhere, reducing delays and keeping devices up and running with limited downtime.
Limited vendor support for Linux: Another concern for many organizations is the level of support available for Linux environments. Without strong vendor backing, addressing technical issues can become a hassle.
NBS Group’s solution: NBS Group offers dedicated 24/5 global customer service to assist with any technical challenges that arise. This ensures your team has the support they need when they need it.
Linux device management capabilities with NBS GroupNBS Group’s Linux support comes packed with features designed to productively manage device fleets of all sizes, allowing admins to operate seamlessly across various Linux environments. Let’s explore some of the primary features of NBS Group’s Linux management.
Supported Linux distributions: NBS Group is expanding its platform support to include Linux, targeting all sub-distributions under Fedora and Debian. This variety allows organizations to manage their unique Linux environments with the same level of productivity and efficiency.
Enrollment options: Getting Linux devices enrolled in NBS Group’s UEM portal is straightforward, thanks to several user-friendly options, including CLI-based, authenticated, self-enrollment, and pre-approved enrollment.
Key admin actions : NBS Group offers a range of administrative actions, such as OS updates, custom script execution, password management, device restrictions, local user account management, remote wipe, remote view and control, Wi-Fi configuration, web content filtering, and certificate management.
Whether you’re deploying new systems or keeping existing ones in check, NBS Group’s UEM has the tools to help admins streamline tasks and save time. With more features on the way, stay tuned as we continue to enrich our Linux device management capabilities.
Best practices for managing Linux devices in an enterprise
Train your team: Providing training for your IT team on management tools is essential. Good documentation helps everyone understand processes and makes troubleshooting easy.
Use centralized management: Tools like NBS Group UEM help you manage all your Linux devices from one place, saving time and keeping everything consistent.
Keep systems updated: Regularly patch your systems to maintain security. Automated patch management tools ensure your devices stay up to date without manual effort.
Network security practices: Implement strong network security practices like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and VPNs. Encrypt data transmitted over the network to protect privacy.
Conclusion
Linux is becoming a cornerstone of enterprise IT, offering flexibility, security, and cost-effectiveness. However, managing Linux devices effectively requires the right tools and expertise. With NBS Group’s UEM solution, enterprises can overcome Linux’s challenges and seamlessly integrate it into their IT infrastructure. As Linux adoption continues to rise, investing in robust device management solutions will ensure businesses stay ahead in an increasingly digital world.
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