Year | Winner |
2000 | Windows 2000 |
1999 | Windows NT |
1998 | Windows NT |
1997 | Windows NT |
In our last User’s Choice, a release date for Windows 2000
was yet to be announced. This year, after making its debut, the network
operating system straightaway takes the top position in the user’s mind.
Windows NT continues to remain popular even as Windows 2000 has been released,
thereby securing the runner up position.
Network operating systems is one of the most demanding
segments. Being the heart of any
Network Operating System |
|
User's Choice Club | UPI |
Windows 2000 | 100 |
Windows NT | 68 |
Netware | 14 |
Linux | 11 |
network, an NOS has to be able to handle the
ever-increasing load and users’ requirements. That’s why network operating
systems have been growing more and more powerful with time. Features that were
otherwise available either separately, or through third-party products, are
being incorporated in the OS itself. As all essential tools and services are
bundled in the OS itself, you don’t have to look outside for them. Perhaps
this is why our respondents have rated quality as the deciding factor for
network operating systems.
NetWare’s grip on the Indian market has been slipping
slowly. Last year, it was the runner up, but with the introduction of Windows
2000, it’s gone down to number three. Novell is facing strong competition from
the double threat of NT and 2000. However, its latest release of NetWare 5.1 is
hot with a whole bunch of new features. So, it would be interesting to see how
it fares next year against the competition.
Linux–the "free" network operating system whose
growing popularity has been a constant threat to the other players–has gone
down from a UPI of 22 last year to 11 this year. Could its popularity suddenly
be facing a wall?
Interestingly, Linux is the only flavor of Unix that has made it to the User’s
Choice Club. The rest couldn’t gather enough points to do so, indicating that
their popularity is going down. With two brands from the same vendor gaining top
spots in mindshare, it would be even more difficult for others to catch
up.