Monday, July 2, 2001		Article

Wanted! — Red Hats
Sumesh Raizada

NEARLY a decade ago, when Linus Torvalds, a Finnish student developed Linux operating system, he must not have imagined the magnitude of success, his creation would receive. Linus developed a sophisticated operating system and then offloaded it on to the Internet, thereby making it available to million of users almost instantly. Today Linux has become a revolution, partly because of it being available almost free of cost and partly because of the numerous advantages that it offers to its users. Roughly, there are 30 million persons throughout the world who are associated with Linux in one-way or the other. It is considered to be the fastest operating system and as a result, programmers and software developers are working day and night to develop Linux-based software for varied applications. Linux can even operate on older and outdated hardware configuration with equal ease thereby adding immense value to it.

Linux is getting more popular in India relatively and other developing countries because of its inherent features that are more suited for these countries. India with its vast population has tremendous scope for computerisation. Not only small towns, but villages also are experiencing IT wave, now a day. However, it becomes rather difficult for software manufacturers to develop a specific programming language for persons with different dialects, geographical areas and languages. Linux has provided a solution for this problem and a number of software developers are working to create programs based on regional languages. Already, National Centre for Software Technology is working on developing Web-based application and operating systems in Indian languages. Project is going on in IIT, Chennai, to localise Linux in local languages like Malayalam or Tamil. Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIT), Bangalore, is also working on similar project these days.

Other most important utility of Linux is that it can work on the older hardware configuration with equal ease and pace. While in case of Windows-based operating systems, the more they get advanced, higher the hardware configuration required to run those programs. This not only makes the previous computer redundant but also requires additional investment for purchasing better hardware configuration. In India, a vast majority of home PC users as well as small and medium corporate cannot afford these recurring costs. Even government departments with limited funds cannot keep on reinvesting money on upgradation of hardware. Hence, solution is Linux that cannot only be easily installed but also speeds up the operating speed considerably. Moreover, as it available free of cost, there is a huge saving of money that would have been invested in purchasing licensed software. Another application where Linux is getting wider acceptance is e-mail. Portals like Rediff are utilising it for its e-mail services.

There is enormous scope for those interested in a career in Linux. Even though it is distributed almost free of cost, still professionals are required to implement Linux in the network and system administration in an organisation. There is a vast scope for professionals in the field of game and multimedia where they develop faster program based on Linux.

Career opportunities also exist for Web developers and software professionals for creating improved version of Linux and also to prepare programs based on those improved versions. Sizeable numbers of Linux professionals are working in India, Far East and the USA for writing applications specific to personal digital assistant (PDA), mobile computing, e-mailing, etc. Career opportunities for Linux professionals exist in telecommunication and for developing system tools. Vacancies also exist for professionals in marketing and distribution of Linux-based software to different parts of the world. Certified professionals can even work as freelancer giving consultation to clients on Linux maintenance.

Throughout the world, business enterprises are working to develop Linux-based software and applications. Some of the major organisations are IBM and Sun. Keeping in view its importance, Linux users group (LUG) has been formed in different part of the world, including number of cities in India. Those who are interested in learning or want to get themselves updated in Linux can do so by becoming member of the LUG. Linux Learning Centre at Bangalore is among the earliest Linux training institutes in India, that offers courses on Advanced Concepts in Linux and LAMP Technology. Web sites like HotLinuxJobs.com offer links for registering in certified courses of Linux. In this course, students are exposed to three different levels of learning. These are Linux Certified Administrator (LCA), Linux Certified Engineer and Master Linux Certified Engineer (MLCE). Those with MLCE certification generally get job as senior system administrator in software companies.

One can get relevant information about Linux courses through Web site, www.linuxcertification.com, also. Red Hat Certified engineer course are offered by its developers to make a person skilled in Red Hat Linux installation, configuration, netwoking and security. Once trained, these professionals can easily get opportunity to work in companies where this system is installed.

Though, a large number of educational institutions as well as software companies are offering certified courses on Linux, yet the real learning comes when a person start working on Linux-based projects independently. Linux programming covers broad aspects of writing applications, developing drivers, compiling, etc. So those going in for it need to be thorough on working of operating system, memory management, multiprocessing etc.

In India, though a large number of institutes are offering courses on Linux, all of them do not provide sufficient exposure to programming. NIIT and Aptech are however offering a course that touches on this useful aspect of Linux.

NIIT offers a GNIIT course that covers Linux as part of its curriculum. It also offers Red Hat Certified Engineer certification course for those interested in career in Linux. Companies like IBM and Karrox Technologies offer certification courses on Linux system administrator. Online courses are also available on the Internet, conducted by Linux Professional Institute in association with Virtual University Enterprises. Those going in for career in Linux programming or administration may be graduates with background in mathematics, Bachelor or Master in computer applications, engineering graduates, etc. However, they need to have strong logical and analytical skills essential for any development project. As Linux is being widely applied in Web and e-commerce applications, those skilled in C, C ++, SQL, Pearl and RDBMS beforehand, have an advantage.

People getting certified can get a job as Linux system or network administrator in the ISPs, portal companies or other organisations where this system is under operation. Career opportunity exists for beginners in companies like Wipro Technologies, which provides ‘on the job training’ to its employees, who are made to work on Linux based projects. Here, persons are made technically skilled on kernel and network programming, diver development, etc. Once trained, they can easily fetch a good remuneration within and outside the company.

Large companies like IBM, Sun, AOL, etc are switching over to Linux -based system and many more are on the verge of it. In India itself, it is estimated that there are nearly over 3 lakh Linux users and their number is growing at an exponential rate. Since Linux is cost effective and reliable, many organisations, both government and private, are installing it into their applications. It has useful applications in banks, schools, colleges, commercial enterprises, etc. As a result there is huge scope for Linux programmers for making a lucrative career for themselves both in India and abroad.

Opportunity also exists for Linux service professionals, who can either work independently or get employed with companies that are providing specialised services to their clients on installation, maintenance, up-gradation, etc. HCL Infosystems through its Linuxpertise program, provides Linux support through e-mail or telephone to the users. Hughes Software Systems based in Gurgaon, also offers similar sevices.

Those working as Linux software developer should preferably be computer engineer or MCA. Besides, they need to have strong communication and programming skills. Those working as Web developer need not be engineer, but must be skilled in Linux-based programming and techniques in Web site production. They are required to work closely with other staff members and have to continuously keep on improving their skills.

There are huge career openings for professional to work as Linux Kernel Developer, Linux system Developer, Linux Web system Administrator, Linux system Engineer, etc. As trained professionals in this field are limited, all those having industry experience or certification in Linux are in extreme demand. Earnings are therefore enormous for these professionals. Linux users are growing roughly at the rate of 25-30 per cent annually, therefore demand for the professionals in providing software and service support shall also grow proportionately.