In 2019, the Windows operating system was used on **** percent of servers worldwide, whilst the Linux operating system accounted for **** percent of servers. Compared to 2018, both companies experienced an increase to their overall market share.

Global server operating system market size was valued at USD 15.61 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period.

The statistic shows market revenue share held by various server operating systems in 2015. As of that time, revenue for Linux-run servers represented ** percent of the overall server operating system market, which stood at ** billion U.S. dollars.

Server Operating System Market by Component (Software and Service), License Model (Commercial Proprietary and More), Type (Windows, Linux, and More), Server Architecture (x86/X64 and More), Virtualization Status (Virtual Server and More), Deployment Mode (Cloud, On-Premise, and Hybrid), Enterprise Size (Large Enterprises and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises), Industry Vertical (IT and Telecom, BFSI, and More), and Geography.

Global Server Operating System market size is expected to reach $126.06 billion by 2029 at 13.8%, growing adoption of cloud platforms fuels expansion in the server operating system market

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Server Operating System Market Size 2024-2028

The server operating system market size is estimated to increase by USD 12.19 billion and grow at a CAGR of 10.87% between 2023 and 2028. The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by several key factors. Firstly, the increasing investments in the construction of hyper-scale data centers are fueling the demand for advanced server operating systems that can efficiently manage large-scale infrastructure. Secondly, technological advancements in server operating systems, such as containerization and virtualization, are enabling organizations to optimize their IT resources, data center, and improve application performance. However, the market is also facing challenges, including the rising number of security issues, which require server operating systems to provide robust security features to protect against cyber threats. Additionally, the growing complexity of IT environments is necessitating the need for server operating systems that can seamlessly integrate with various applications and tools. Overall, the server operating system market is expected to continue its growth trajectory, driven by these market trends and challenges.

What will be the Size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

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Market Segmentation

By Deployment

The market share growth by the on-premises segment will be significant during the forecast period. On-premises solutions in the global market are popular among companies looking to manage their IT infrastructure. On-premises solutions give companies complete control over the hardware and software, allowing them to adapt the system to their individual needs. One of the main benefits of on-premises solutions is increased security and privacy. Businesses can keep data and applications behind firewalls and other security measures, reducing the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches. This is especially important for software companies that handle sensitive data such as financial or medical information.

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The on-premises segment was valued at USD 7.57 billion in 2018. On-premises solutions allow companies to choose their hardware and software companies, design their systems to meet their specific needs and make changes and upgrades as needed. This gives software companies more control over their IT infrastructure, helping them achieve the best possible performance. On-premises solutions also offer improved performance and reliability compared to cloud-based solutions. However, on-premises solutions can be expensive up-front, as software companies must invest in the hardware, software, and staff required to maintain and manage the operating system.

By Region

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North America is estimated to contribute 40% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period. One of the reasons why North America has a strong position in the market is the high acceptance of cloud-based services by enterprises. These cloud-based services require advanced systems for optimal performance and security. North America is home to major cloud service providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. Another factor contributing to the growth of the North American market is the increasing demand for data centers.

The North American region is home to some of the world's largest data centers. Companies such as Microsoft Corp (Microsoft), IBM Corp (IBM), and Oracle Corp (Oracle) have a strong presence in North America and invest heavily in research and development (R&D) to innovate and gain a competitive advantage over other companies. For example, Google LLC (Google) announced its USD 750 million new data center in Nebraska to meet its goal of spending USD 9.5 billion on new Google data centers and offices in 2022. Such expansion plans drive the growth of the market in North America during the forecast period.

Market Dynamics and Customer Landscape

The market is a significant segment of the IT industry, focusing on software that manages and operates servers in data centers and cloud platforms. Server OS includes various types such as Application Servers, File Servers, Database Servers, Mail Servers, Web Servers, and others. These operating systems are essential for Client Server Infrastructure and Client Machinery to function effectively in Network environments. Cloud computing has been a major driver in the growth of the Server OS market, with hybrid cloud environments and 5G networking technologies playing a pivotal role. Server OS software is integral to enterprise migration and digital transformation, as businesses

The global Server Operating System Market size is expected to reach USD 41.57 Billion in 2032 registering a CAGR of 8.6% Discover the latest trends and analysis on the Server Operating System Market. Our report provides a comprehensive overview of the industry, including key players, market share, g...

The Server Operating System (OS) market, valued at $18.05 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by the increasing adoption of cloud computing, the proliferation of data centers, and the rising demand for high-performance computing across various industries. The market's Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.87% from 2025 to 2033 indicates a significant expansion in market size over the forecast period. Key drivers include the need for enhanced security, improved scalability and reliability, and the growing adoption of virtualization technologies. Trends like the increasing use of containerization and serverless computing are further shaping the market landscape. While factors such as the high initial investment costs associated with server OS implementations and the complexity of managing diverse operating systems may act as restraints, the overall market outlook remains positive. The market is segmented by deployment model into on-premises and cloud solutions, with the cloud segment expected to dominate owing to its flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and ease of scalability. Leading players like Microsoft, Linux distributors (e.g., Red Hat, SUSE), and other vendors are competing aggressively through strategic partnerships, product innovations, and competitive pricing strategies. Regional growth is anticipated across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, driven by technological advancements and increasing digital transformation initiatives in these regions. The competitive landscape is characterized by the presence of both established players and emerging niche vendors. Companies are focusing on offering robust security features, enhanced management tools, and seamless integration with other cloud services to gain a competitive edge. The market's future hinges on the continued adoption of cloud-based solutions, the growth of edge computing, and the increasing demand for AI and machine learning capabilities within server environments. The continued evolution of open-source operating systems and the ongoing development of containerization technologies will also play a crucial role in shaping the market's future trajectory. The success of individual companies will depend on their ability to adapt to these evolving market dynamics and deliver innovative solutions that meet the ever-changing needs of enterprises and businesses of all sizes.

The Linux Operating System Market size was valued at USD 15.52 USD billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 55.94 USD billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 20.1 % during the forecast period. The increasing adoption of Linux in data centers, cloud computing, and embedded systems drives the market growth. Linux is a Unix-like, open source and community-developed operating system (OS) for computers, servers, mainframes, mobile devices, and embedded devices. It is supported on almost every major computer platform, including x86, ARM and SPARC, making it one of the most widely supported operating systems. An operating system is the software that directly manages a system’s hardware and resources, like CPU, memory, and storage. Every version of the Linux OS manages hardware resources, launches and handles applications, and provides some form of user interface. The enormous community for developers and wide range of distributions means that a Linux version is available for almost any task, and Linux has penetrated many areas of computing. Recent developments include: In 2022, Canonical released Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, which included new features and security enhancements.

In 2021, Red Hat acquired StackRox to enhance its security offerings for Linux systems.

In 2020, Amazon Web Services launched Amazon Linux 2, a new Linux distribution optimized for AWS cloud environments.. Key drivers for this market are: Increasing Adoption of Operating System among Servers and Embedded Systems to Aid Growth. Potential restraints include: Intense Competition from Windows and Limited Adoption of Linux OS are Hampering Market Growth. Notable trends are: Growing Implementation of Touch-based and Voice-based Infotainment Systems to Increase Adoption of Intelligent Cars.

The global Server Operating System (OS) market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing adoption of cloud computing, virtualization, and the expanding enterprise IT infrastructure. The market, estimated at $25 billion in 2025, is projected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several factors. The shift towards cloud-based solutions necessitates robust and scalable server operating systems, benefiting major players like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft (Azure), and Google Cloud. The rise of big data analytics and artificial intelligence further stimulates demand for high-performance server OS capable of handling vast datasets. Furthermore, the growing adoption of containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes is reshaping the server OS landscape, emphasizing lightweight and agile solutions. The enterprise segment continues to be a significant revenue driver, with organizations investing heavily in upgrading their IT infrastructure for enhanced security, performance, and scalability. While the on-premise deployment model still holds a considerable market share, the cloud segment is experiencing rapid growth, surpassing on-premise deployments in terms of CAGR. Competition is fierce amongst established players like IBM (Red Hat), SUSE, and Canonical, alongside cloud giants such as AWS, Microsoft, and Google, each vying for market dominance through innovation and strategic partnerships. The regional distribution of the server OS market reflects global IT infrastructure development patterns. North America and Europe currently hold the largest market shares due to the presence of mature IT industries and high adoption rates. However, the Asia-Pacific region, particularly China and India, is exhibiting the fastest growth, driven by expanding digital economies and increasing investments in data centers. Growth in this region is further fueled by the adoption of cloud services and the growing need for robust and secure IT infrastructure to support expanding businesses and government initiatives. Despite this positive outlook, challenges remain, including ensuring security across increasingly complex IT environments and managing the complexities of hybrid cloud deployments. The need for highly skilled professionals to manage and maintain these systems also presents a barrier to wider adoption in some regions.

Microsoft’s Windows is the most widely used computer operating system in the world, accounting for 69 percent share of the desktop, tablet, and console OS market in March 2025. Apple’s macOS ranks as the next most widely used operating system, while its iOS mobile operating system, the standard installation on all iPad devices, ranks fourth. Linux OS versions serve as the primary option for users who prefer open-source software and intend to avoid the influence of major OS developers. Operating Systems Operating systems serve as the underlying platforms which connect computer hardware and software. They provide users with the graphical interface through which they issue commands and perform tasks on electronic devices. Billions of people make use of these devices and their operating systems on a regular basis, meaning that the companies that develop these widely used technologies have a great deal of influence on the daily lives of internet users around the world. Although Microsoft Windows is the clear leader in terms of desktop operating systems, the company’s mobile device operating system failed to make a successful transition into the smartphone market, where Android and iOS are essentially the only two options.

The global server operating system market is projected to reach USD 20.08 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.53% from 2025 to 2033. The increasing adoption of cloud computing, virtualization, and enterprise IT infrastructure upgrades are driving the market demand. Growing demand for efficient and secure operating systems in industries such as IT, telecom, BFSI, healthcare, and government is further fueling market growth. The server operating system market is segmented into software and service components, Windows, Linux, UNIX, and other operating system types, virtual and physical server virtualization, cloud and on-premise deployment modes, and large enterprises, SMEs, and industry verticals. North America and Europe are the leading regional markets. Key market players include IBM, Google, Fujitsu, Cisco Systems, Microsoft, NEC, Dell Technologies, Oracle System Corporation, AWS, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Apple. Strategic partnerships, product innovations, and geographic expansion are common growth strategies adopted by these companies. Server Operating System Market The global server operating system market is estimated to be valued at USD 50,000 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 70,000 million by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2023 to 2028. Recent developments include: February 2023: SAP SE and Red Hat, Inc., the provider of open-source solutions, announced an expanded partnership to significantly increase SAP's use and support for Red Hat Enterprise Linux. This partnership aims to enhance intelligent business operations, support cloud transformation across enterprises, and drive holistic IT innovation. Building on the two organizations' long-standing partnership, SAP is steadily migrating part of its internal IT landscape and the SAP Enterprise Cloud Services portfolio onto the standard basis of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, a shift intended to better meet SAP's evolving business and IT needs., November 2022: Microsoft announced the availability of SQL Server 2022, the most Azure-enabled release of SQL Server yet, with constant innovation across performance, security, and availability. SQL Server 2022 is a core component of the Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform. The platform seamlessly incorporates operational databases, analytics, and data governance. This enables customers to adapt in real-time, add layers of intelligence to their applications, unlock fast and predictive insights, and govern their data-wherever it resides.. Key drivers for this market are: Increasing hybrid and cloud platform usage will increase demand for server operating systems, Rising investments in the building of hyperscale data centers are significantly driving the market expansion. Potential restraints include: High server downtime and implementation costs could impede market expansion, The growing number of security flaws could hamper the growth of the market. Notable trends are: Cloud Segment is Expected to Hold a Significant Share of the Market.

The global Server Operating System (OS) market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing adoption of cloud computing, virtualization, and the expanding need for robust and secure IT infrastructure across various industries. The market, estimated at $25 billion in 2025, is projected to witness a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8% from 2025 to 2033, reaching an estimated market value of approximately $45 billion by 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors. The shift towards cloud-based infrastructure, offering scalability and cost-effectiveness, is a major catalyst. Furthermore, the rising demand for enhanced security features in server operating systems, particularly in response to increasing cyber threats, is driving investment. The enterprise segment dominates the market, fueled by large-scale deployments in data centers and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. However, the personal segment shows promising growth as individuals increasingly utilize powerful servers for tasks like gaming and content creation. Competition is intense, with established players like IBM (Red Hat), Google, and Microsoft vying for market share against emerging players offering specialized solutions. Regional growth patterns indicate strong performance in North America and Asia Pacific, reflecting robust technological adoption and economic growth in these regions. Despite this positive outlook, challenges remain. The high cost of implementing and maintaining advanced server OS solutions can restrain adoption, particularly for smaller businesses. Furthermore, the complexities of managing large-scale server infrastructures and maintaining compatibility across diverse platforms also present hurdles. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of established and emerging players. Major players, including IBM (Red Hat), Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and others mentioned in the original data, are continuously innovating and expanding their product portfolios to meet evolving market demands. They are actively investing in research and development, strategic partnerships, and acquisitions to maintain their competitive edge. The market is witnessing the emergence of open-source server OS solutions, which are gaining traction due to their cost-effectiveness and flexibility. However, the lack of dedicated support and security concerns associated with some open-source options present a significant challenge. Future growth is expected to be propelled by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT), which will drive further demand for robust and scalable server operating systems capable of handling ever-increasing data volumes and processing complexities.

The global Server Operating System market size was valued at 19,942.01 million in 2025, and is projected to reach a value of 41,551.54 million by 2033, registering a CAGR of 12.20% during the forecast period. Growing digitalization and cloud adoption are major factors driving market growth. Moreover, rising adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies further contributes to market expansion. The Server Operating System market is segmented based on operating system, virtualization status, subscription model, enterprise type, and region. By operating system, the Windows segment accounted for the largest share in 2025. By virtualization status, the virtual machine segment held the largest market share in 2025. By subscription model, the paid subscription segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. By enterprise type, the large enterprise segment held the largest market share in 2025. By region, North America accounted for the largest market share in 2025. Recent developments include: May-2023: Microsoft and Red Hat have collaborated to offer mutual support for their server operating systems running on each other's hypervisors. Customers with valid support agreements can run and receive joint technical support for Windows Server on Red Hat Enterprise virtualization and vice versa. The partnership involves testing and validation, with Microsoft joining Red Hat's Server Virtualization Validation Program, November 2022: The SQL Server 2022 platform for on-premises and cloud services was introduced by Microsoft Corporation. With the help of this launch, businesses employing on-premises deployment strategies can quickly access cloud solutions and switch over as necessary., May 2022: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and Red Hat, Inc. have announced a partnership to develop next-generation memory software that would improve the performance of both the hardware and software in a variety of server environments., May 2022: General Motors and Red Hat, Inc. have partnered strategically to advance Red Hat's in-vehicle operating system. The Ultifi software platform from General Motors needs strong cybersecurity protection, and RedHat is offering its approved Linux-based solution to meet this need., September 2021: Fujitsu and Microsoft collaborate for the certification of PRIMERGY servers for Windows Server 2022. This partnership ensures advanced security and productivity, empowering IT leaders to confidently upgrade data centers and implement flexible solutions for enhanced performance and reliability., October 2021: Alibaba Cloud unveiled 'Anolis OS' at Apsara Conference, targeting the server market with x86 and ARM support. This open-source system supports x86 and ARM architectures, promising a 40% performance boost and 50% reduced failure rates in cloud computing scenarios., March 2019: Fujitsu signed an agreement to acquires Gresham's VME software business, enhancing its VME mainframe platform. This ensures continued support for critical applications, providing a strategic path for Gresham VME customers to migrate seamlessly to Fujitsu's next-gen VME Platform as a Service.. Notable trends are: Rising adoption in digital comic is driving the market growth.

The Enterprise Server Market report segments the industry into By Operating System (Linux, Windows, UNIX, Other Operating Systems (i5/OS, z/OS, etc.)), By Server Class (High-end Server, Mid-range Server, Volume Server), By Server Type (Blade, Multi-node, Tower, Rack Optimized), By End-user Vertical (IT and Telecommunication, BFSI, Manufacturing, Retail, Healthcare, Media and Entertainment, and more), and By Geography.

The Server Operating System (OS) market, valued at $20.08 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by the increasing adoption of cloud computing, virtualization, and the expanding demand for high-performance computing (HPC) across various industries. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.53% from 2025 to 2033 indicates a significant market expansion. Key drivers include the need for enhanced security features, improved scalability and reliability in server infrastructure, and the rising adoption of containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes for efficient resource management. Furthermore, the growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) workloads, requiring powerful and efficient server OS solutions, is further fueling market growth. The market is segmented by operating system type (e.g., Linux, Windows Server, Unix), deployment model (cloud, on-premises), and industry vertical (e.g., finance, healthcare, retail). Competition is fierce among major players like Oracle, Cisco, IBM, AWS, Microsoft, and others, resulting in continuous innovation and the introduction of advanced features to maintain market share. While potential restraints include the complexity of managing server OS environments and the potential for security breaches, the overall market outlook remains positive, promising sustained growth throughout the forecast period. The market's competitive landscape is characterized by both established players and emerging vendors. Established players leverage their extensive experience and established customer bases to maintain their market dominance. However, emerging vendors offer innovative solutions and competitive pricing, creating a dynamic environment. The increasing demand for specialized OS solutions tailored to specific industry needs presents opportunities for both established and emerging players to specialize and cater to niche markets. The ongoing transition to hybrid and multi-cloud environments necessitates advanced server OS capabilities that enable seamless integration and management across different platforms. This trend is driving innovation in areas like automation, orchestration, and security management, creating further growth potential for the server OS market. Future growth will depend on adapting to evolving technological trends, including edge computing, serverless architecture, and the expanding adoption of 5G infrastructure. Recent developments include: February 2023: SAP SE and Red Hat, Inc., the provider of open-source solutions, announced an expanded partnership to significantly increase SAP's use and support for Red Hat Enterprise Linux. This partnership aims to enhance intelligent business operations, support cloud transformation across enterprises, and drive holistic IT innovation. Building on the two organizations' long-standing partnership, SAP is steadily migrating part of its internal IT landscape and the SAP Enterprise Cloud Services portfolio onto the standard basis of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, a shift intended to better meet SAP's evolving business and IT needs., November 2022: Microsoft announced the availability of SQL Server 2022, the most Azure-enabled release of SQL Server yet, with constant innovation across performance, security, and availability. SQL Server 2022 is a core component of the Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform. The platform seamlessly incorporates operational databases, analytics, and data governance. This enables customers to adapt in real-time, add layers of intelligence to their applications, unlock fast and predictive insights, and govern their data-wherever it resides.. Key drivers for this market are: Increasing hybrid and cloud platform usage will increase demand for server operating systems, Rising investments in the building of hyperscale data centers are significantly driving the market expansion. Potential restraints include: Increasing hybrid and cloud platform usage will increase demand for server operating systems, Rising investments in the building of hyperscale data centers are significantly driving the market expansion. Notable trends are: Cloud Segment is Expected to Hold a Significant Share of the Market.

Global Server Operating System Market is poised for a significant growth, with market size projected to surge from USD 27.48 Billion in 2024 to USD 59.88 Billion by 2033, showcasing a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.04% during the forecast period.

The Global Server Operating System market size to cross USD 59.88 Billion by 2033. [https://edison.valuemarketresearch.com//uploads/repo

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Global computing device operating system industry overview

As smart cities integrate multiple technologies to enable the smart economy, investments in smart cities will increase the deployment of connected systems and solutions such as smart lighting, smart meters, and smart parking. The growing positioning of connected systems and IoT devices will increase the adoption of operating systems to be installed in these devices. Moreover, the deployment of connected systems and solutions will also generate huge amount of data, which will require its storing and management, resulting in a high need for servers. This will further propel the demand for operating systems to be installed in servers to improve their efficiency. Such factors will boost computing device operating systems market growth during the forecast period.

To increase their customer base, operating system providers are focusing on forming strategic investments and partnerships with OEMs. This also enables operating system vendors to generate revenue through the sale of their mobile applications supported by their operating system platforms. For instance, Google generates revenue from the licensing of Google apps. Similarly, Google and Huawei technologies formed a partnership where Google would provide Android messages and RCS messaging for smartphones developed by Huawei technologies. Strategic investments and partnerships between computing device operating system and OEM providers will accelerate the popularity and deployment of operating systems, positively impacting market growth. The computing device OS market will register a CAGR of more than 2% during the forecast period. However, the market’s momentum will decelerate in the coming years because of the decrease in year-over-year growth.

Top computing device operating system companies covered in this report

The global computing device operating system market is highly concentrated. To help clients improve their revenue share, this research report provides an analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and offers information on the products offered by various companies. Key insights provided by this computing device operating system market analysis report will help companies make informed business decisions.

The report offers a detailed analysis of several leading computing device operating system companies, including:

Alphabet
Apple Inc.
Canonical Ltd. 
Microsoft
Red Hat, Inc.

Computing device operating system market segmentation based on type

Mobile OS
Client OS
Server OS

Mobile OS segment held the largest computing device operating system market share in 2018. The market share of this segment will increase in the coming years because of the rising use of smartphones and mobile related applications such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and INSTAGRAM. Mobile OS segment will continue to dominate the market during the next five years.

Computing device operating system market segmentation based on region

APAC
Europe
MEA
North America
South America

APAC accounted for the largest computing device operating system market share in 2018 because of the presence of several operating system vendors in the region. APAC’s contribution to the growth of the computing device operating system market size will increase, and the region will account for the largest market share throughout the forecast period.

Key highlights of the global computing device operating system market for the forecast years 2019-2023:

CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2019-2023
Detailed information on factors that will accelerate the growth of the computing device operating system market during the next five years
Precise estimation of the global computing device operating system market size and its contribution to the parent market
Accurate predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior
The growth of the computing device operating system industry across APAC, Europe, MEA, North America, and South America
A thorough analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information on several vendors
Comprehensive details on factors that will challenge the growth of computing device operating system companies 

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Global Server Operating System market size is expected to reach USD 31.76 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 8.2%, according to a new study by Polaris Market Research.

Microsoft is still a dominant player on the server market in the national enterprises segment. Windows Server 2012 had the biggest share in 2017, with a total market share of roughly 39 percent, closely followed by Windows Server 2008 that was used by 36.9 percent of the companies. Linux made up for ten percent of the total market, which includes all of the variations that Linux comes in.