Hybrid OS for Teamcenter – How do you decide?

This blog is created as a response and solution to the above PLM challenge, This is a part of our weekly Wiser Wednesday Challenge on Linkedin – Aimed to add value to the PLM community.
Check out Quiz #12 on our Linkedin page.

Hybrid OS for Teamcenter – How do you decide?

Teamcenter supports multiple enterprise-level applications like ERP, CAD, etc. Siemens with each release provides the compatibility matrix. But the question remains why hybrid OS? In this blog, we will be discussing the several factors that come into play while deciding the OS.
Let’s understand the Teamcenter architecture mentioned below.

Key components are listed below :-

OS Selection criteria:
To decide on the OS there are various factors we should consider as mentioned below

1. Organization Policy: This is one of the key drivers of OS selection. As customer might have already defined an IT policy which enforces OS selection. E.g., An customer might have an IT policy which says all applications should be hosted on Linux and all client machines should be on Windows. In such cases, we have to go with Linux as OS for the Teamcenter application. But for customers where there is flexibility to select OS, we should see the other parameters before deciding the final OS and also, we can try to check the possibility of using a hybrid OS model.

2. Cost: Consider the cost of the operating system and any additional software or licenses you may need. Some operating systems are free, while others require a license or subscription. Linux is an open-source operating system, which means that it is free to download, use, and distribute. In addition to being free, Linux is also more cost-effective than Windows when it comes to software licensing. Windows, on the other hand, is a commercial operating system that requires a license fee to use. The cost of a Windows license can vary depending on the edition and type of license.

3. Compatibility: Ensure that your chosen operating system is compatible with the hardware and software you need to run. Windows is the dominant operating system in terms of market share, and it has long been the standard for many software developers. On the other hand, Linux is open-source and has a very flexible architecture that allows it to run on a wide range of hardware platforms. However, one of the main challenges of using Linux is that some hardware manufacturers do not always provide drivers or support for their hardware on Linux. This means that some hardware may not work correctly or may not work at all.

4. Security: Consider the operating system’s security features, such as built-in firewalls, antivirus, and encryption options. Some operating systems are more secure than others, so ensure that the system you choose meets your security needs.

5. Updates and Support: Consider how often the operating system is updated and how long it will be supported. Regular updates ensure that your system remains secure and up-to-date with the latest features and bug fixes. Windows users generally receive regular updates and patches, which are designed to fix security vulnerabilities, improve performance, and add new features, but due to frequent updates the servers hosting applications need frequent updates with planned downtime, in contrast, Linux users receive minimal updates and patches from the community of developers who maintain and contribute to the distribution.

6. Performance: Consider the operating system’s performance, such as speed, stability, and resource usage. Some operating systems may require more resources than others, so ensure that your hardware can handle the operating system’s requirements. Linux also has a reputation for being lightweight and efficient, which can be beneficial for hosting applications as the OS itself will not consume a lot of resources and gives more resources to hosted applications. Windows has been designed with an emphasis on user-friendliness and ease of use. Windows has a more user-friendly interface than most Linux distributions, which can make it more accessible for non-technical users.

7. User Interface: The user interface is the way you interact with the operating system. Consider the interface’s ease of use, customization options, and how well it fits your needs and preferences. Windows uses a graphical user interface (GUI) that is easy to use and navigate. The GUI is intuitive, making it easy for users to find and use the features they need. The GUI is intuitive, making it easy for users to find and use the features they need. Linux, on the other hand, has a more customizable user interface. Linux also has a greater emphasis on keyboard shortcuts and command-line interfaces (CLIs). This makes it faster and more efficient for power users who prefer to work with text-based interfaces.

8. Security: Consider the operating system’s security features, such as built-in firewalls, antivirus, and encryption options. Some operating systems are more secure than others, so ensure that the system you choose meets your security needs.

9. Availability of applications: Ensure that the operating system supports the applications you need to use. Some operating systems may have a limited selection of software available, while others have a vast selection.

10. Teamcenter-related drivers: Major decision points for deciding the OS for these components are based on the load the application is putting on OS. Components like pool servers are heavy and need lots of resources in such cases it’s better to host them on Linux. Components like Web application servers compared to the pool, resources needed are less we can think of using Windows. As mentioned above we can create a think of hosting various components on different OS which can suit the need.

Simple hybrid OS combination
Check the below table which shows a few components that can be configured on Linux and a few on Windows.

Also, while deciding the OS for each component in the hybrid model, we have to make sure they are connecting using only URLs and not having a dependency on using TEAMCENTER _DATA etc.

Conclusion:
Now coming back to the question, can we use a hybrid OS? The answer is yes, definitely one can always opt for a hybrid OS for the Teamcenter application. We need to consider the above-mentioned factors and supported OS for key components.

Solution blog by Avadhut Pujari.