Xandros buys Linspire in enterprise Linux bid

But Kevin Restivo, analyst with Toronto-based research firm IDC Canada Ltd., said the acquisition by Xandros may be a move toward strengthening its presence in the enterprise market, but Linux distributions in general face a number of business hurdles.

"The overarching problem for any Linux distribution company at this point in time is awareness," he said.

The fact that established operating systems like Windows and Mac are "singed into people's minds" makes them the de facto software, said Restivo. "[Linux] will appeal to users in any sort of price sensitive situation if you're looking for a reliable operating system where updates are able to be incorporated into their version [in the future]," he said.

But he added that as Linux distributors have made it easier to use the operating systems, "they are now in the realm of reality for the mainstream user."

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