What's more stable than a rock, faster than a spinning disk, more powerful than a Windows system twice its size, and able to leap platforms like no other operating system? Surprise! It's Linux.

It's also recession proof.

Can that be true? Yes, and here are the 5 reasons why:

1. Not Corporate Bound - Linux is developed worldwide by volunteers. It isn't owned by a single company. No one person or entity really owns Linux, the operating system.

2. Free - Several companies create their own distributions and market them commercially but the underlying system is still, and will always be, free.

3. Multi-Platform - Linux is now the only multi-platform operating system. It runs on mobile devices, x86 systems, mainframes, NSK (Non Stop Kernel), Macs, Sparc, and maybe others. You won't need to purchase new hardware on which to run it since it will, most likely, install on whatever you have.

4. Frugal - Linux is a frugal operating system in that you can install it onto very small devices (routers, bootable CD ROMs, wristwatches) and it doesn't require the latest hardware nor does it require a new generation of hardware on which to run. You can run it comfortably on your current hardware--no need for an upgrade each time a new version is released.

5. Vendor Neutrality - You aren't locked-in to a particular vendor, distribution, or support scheme. There isn't just one Linux so in effect, you could run one type of Linux for File/Print services, another for web services, and still others for mail, virtualization, and database. You'll never have to worry about Linux going out of business nor will it ever have layoffs to ruin your support model.

Linux is truly recession proof. Recession proof your business by taking a good look at Linux. It has everything you need for data center services, small and medium business needs, and even makes a fine desktop operating system that won't add more pain to your life with viruses, crashes, and incessant reboots.

Write back and let me know how you'll recession proof your business with Linux.