As we move into 2025, the Industrial Automation industry is witnessing a growing shift among customers and hardware suppliers from proprietary closed systems to open, collaborative, and scalable solutions that power the future’s connected factories and intelligent systems. This trend is exemplified by the Linux operating system market growth, that The Business Research Company projects will expand from $7.8 billion in 2024 to $15.63 billion by 2028, a compound annual growth rate of 19.0%. This growth is driven by advancements in user-friendly interfaces, the proliferation of IoT and embedded devices, and the dominance of Linux in servers and data centers. The shift toward Linux, open standards, and Internet-enabled APIs continues to gain momentum.
Linux is a family of open-source operating systems built on the Linux Kernel, created by Linus Torvalds in 1991. It is commonly packaged as a Linux distribution (or distro), which includes the kernel, supporting system software, and libraries to form a complete operating system. Popular Linux distributions include Ubuntu, Debian, Red Hat, Alpine, and Linux Mint.
Linux has become a cornerstone in cloud computing, servers, and web servers. It runs on approximately 53% of all servers, followed by Microsoft Server at about 30%, with the remainder using UNIX, IBM’s AIX, HP-UX, and other platforms. Linux also powers 80% of web servers and 70% of embedded systems worldwide. Its rapid growth in embedded systems, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), robotics, and industrial automation is a testament to its adaptability and robust design principles, epitomized by the philosophy of “Write once, run everywhere.” Linux’s popularity is not only attributed to its widespread availability but also to its scalability and efficiency in diverse applications.
Why Linux? The Industrial Automation Shift
With over 33 years of development, Linux has evolved through continuous improvements and updates, making it more user-friendly and accessible than ever. This open-source operating system provides a powerful alternative for users seeking enhanced control, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Here are some primary reasons for its growing popularity in industrial automation.
Open-Source Flexibility:
Linux, as an open-source operating system, provides unmatched flexibility and accessibility. Its source code is freely available, eliminating licensing fees and empowering anyone to contribute, modify, distribute, and enhance it. This accessibility enables programmers to easily tailor Linux to meet the unique needs of their companies or clients.
Linux’s high customizability allows users to add or remove features seamlessly and automate various tasks. This flexibility makes Linux an ideal solution for industrial environments, where the ability to tailor the operating system to specific applications is essential. By avoiding unnecessary bloatware and licensing restrictions, Linux supports streamlined and efficient operations.
Linux’s open-source nature is also a cornerstone of Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Its openness minimizes development costs and risks while boosting production flexibility—key elements for modern automation. In complex production lines requiring highly adaptable control systems, Linux proves invaluable. Developers can leverage its freely modifiable code to overcome the constraints of proprietary systems.
Moreover, Linux supports industrial applications with many drivers, software components, and real-time extensions. These features enable precise cycle times as low as one millisecond without jitter, ensuring reliable and efficient performance in critical automation tasks.
A popular joke goes, “In a world without walls, who needs Gates or Windows?” While amusing, it raises an important question: Why is Linux often considered more secure than Windows? It’s crucial to note that while Linux is generally more secure, it is not invincible, nor is Windows entirely defenseless.
Several factors contribute to the perception that Windows is less secure than Linux. One major reason is Windows’ widespread popularity—it’s ubiquitous, running on systems in businesses, schools, and homes. This makes it a prime target for virus creators and malicious actors.
Another factor is the diversity of Windows’ user base, ranging from highly technical users to individuals with limited technical expertise. This broad user demographic can impact the system’s security, as less experienced users may inadvertently increase vulnerability.
Additionally, Windows has a significantly larger attack surface, partly due to the sheer volume of services it runs and its commitment to backward compatibility. Supporting code written nearly 40 years ago opens the door to potential exploits, making securing it more challenging. Meanwhile, Linux’s streamlined architecture and targeted user base provide fewer opportunities for exploitation, contributing to its reputation as a more secure platform.
There are also technical reasons why Linux is often considered more secure than Windows.
Linux’s Permission Model: Permissions define users’ access rights within an operating system. On Windows, users and the files they download often have full administrator access by default. This means software can make significant changes to the system without explicit user approval, increasing the risk of malware or unauthorized modifications. While users can adjust permission settings in Windows to enhance security—requiring a password before running scripts or programs—this is not the default configuration.
In contrast, Linux’s default permission model is more restrictive and secure. Users must enter a root password to install software or change the Linux operating system. This added layer of security ensures that critical system changes are deliberate and authorized, significantly reducing the likelihood of malicious interference.
System security is paramount in industrial automation. Industrial environments rely on highly sensitive systems to manage critical operations such as production lines, robotics, and IIoT-enabled devices. These systems often operate in connected networks, making them vulnerable to cyber threats. Linux’s security advantages, particularly its permission model, effectively address these concerns.
Open-Source Advantage: Linux’s open-source nature fosters greater scrutiny by a vast community of developers, enabling the rapid identification and resolution of security vulnerabilities. Since the source code is freely available, anyone can review, analyze, and debug it, contributing to its overall security. As the Linux community often says, “Given enough eyeballs, all bugs are shallow,” highlighting the power of collaborative problem-solving in maintaining a robust and secure system.
In industrial automation, where systems must operate reliably and securely in complex and often interconnected environments, Linux’s open-source nature provides a critical advantage. A global community of developers can review, analyze, and enhance the code, resulting in a more robust and secure operating system—a key requirement for maintaining uptime and protecting sensitive operations.
Linux on Edge Devices: The Margo Standard and Its Growth Potential in 2025
When discussing the rise of Linux in industrial automation, particularly edge devices, it is essential to highlight the Linux Foundation’s Margo initiative. While Margo is not exclusive to Linux, it is most commonly deployed in Linux environments due to its compatibility with open-source tools and libraries like Argobots for lightweight threading and Mercury for communication.
Launched in April of this year, the Margo initiative aims to enhance cross-vendor interoperability at the edge of industrial automation ecosystems. It defines mechanisms for seamless interaction between edge applications, devices, and orchestration software. The initiative also focuses on delivering a practical reference implementation, open standards, and testing toolkits to facilitate its adoption.
Margo is a lightweight middleware that enables efficient and modular communication in device-to-device and device-to-cloud scenarios. Its minimalistic and modular design makes it well-suited for low-latency, resource-constrained environments, ensuring optimal performance in edge computing applications.
Margo’s focus on data interoperability builds upon established standards like OPC UA, fostering a unified and interoperable edge ecosystem.
Seamless Performance: ADISRA SmartView Linux Run-Time in Action
ADISRA SmartView for Linux enables users to design HMI/SCADA applications within the familiar Microsoft Windows development environment and seamlessly deploy them to Linux systems. This flexibility bridges the gap between two dominant operating system ecosystems, leveraging the best of both worlds. As of October 2024, Microsoft Windows continued to reign as the leading desktop operating system globally, commanding an impressive 73% market share. However, Linux continues to gain momentum, particularly in edge and embedded devices, where it is outpacing Windows due to its stability, scalability, and open-source flexibility.
Simplifying Management with Built-In Remote Tools
ADISRA SmartView includes a remote management tool, which was previously discussed in detail here. This tool enhances the management of the Linux Runtime environment, offering features like remote licensing, application transfers, starting and stopping processes, and more. This capability provides users with unparalleled control over their systems, whether they are local or remote.
Broad Compatibility with Leading Linux Distributions
The ADISRA SmartView Linux runtime supports various popular Linux distributions, including Linux Mint, Ubuntu (Desktop & Server), Debian, Alpine, and Red Hat. Applications developed for the Linux runtime can be viewed locally via a built-in viewer, remotely on a headless device, or through a standard HTML5 browser. Users need to configure Apache on their Linux systems to utilize the web browser functionality, ensuring seamless access to their HMI/SCADA applications.
Support for Industry-Standard Protocols
ADISRA SmartView Linux runtime supports a range of device drivers, including Allen-Bradley, BACnet, Modbus, MQTT, and OPC UA (both client and server). This broad compatibility ensures seamless integration with diverse industrial systems, making it a versatile choice for automation professionals.
Experience ADISRA SmartView for Linux Today
Discover the capabilities of ADISRA SmartView for Linux by downloading a trial version directly from our website here. Then, experience the power of seamless HMI/SCADA development and deployment tailored to meet the needs of the growing Linux industrial automation market.
Conclusion: Embrace the Future of Industrial Automation with ADISRA SmartView for Linux
ADISRA SmartView for Linux is more than just software; it’s a gateway to a new level of flexibility and efficiency in industrial automation. Bridging the strengths of Microsoft Windows and Linux empowers businesses to capitalize on familiar development tools while leveraging the reliability and scalability of Linux systems.
With its built-in Remote Management Tool, broad compatibility with leading Linux distributions, support for industry-standard protocols, and cutting-edge deployment options, ADISRA SmartView for Linux is a comprehensive solution for modern industrial environments. It enables professionals to meet the demands of today’s edge and embedded applications while preparing for the future of automation.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore how ADISRA SmartView for Linux can transform your operations. Download a trial today and take the first step toward a smarter, more efficient automation journey.
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