Comparison of Linux vs Windows for IBM Planning Analytics (TM1)

If you are thinking of moving to Planning Analytics, then this document can help you in selecting the best Operating System (OS) for your PA installation. Planning Analytics currently supports operating systems listed below: 

• Windows 
• Linux 

At Octane, we have the expertise of working on both Windows and Linux environments and number of clients asked which one is the best-fit for their organisation? 

Although its looks like a simple question but hard to answer, we would like to highlight some aids of both to help you to select the best-fit for your organization. 

WINDOWS 

Versions Supported for Planning Analytics: 

• Windows Server 2008 

• Windows Server 2012 
• Windows Server 2016 

Advantages 

• Graphical User Interface (GUI) 

Windows makes everything easier. Use a pre-install browser to download the software and drivers. Use the install wizard and file explorer to install the software. The Cognos Configuration tool defaults to a graphical interface that's easy to configure. 

• Single Sign On (SSO) 

If your organisation uses Active Directory for user authentication, since it’s a Microsoft product so it’s easy to connect and setup Single Sign On (SSO) within Windows OS. 

• Easy to Support  

It’s easy to do the Admin and maintenance related tasks due to its graphical interface. 

• Hard to avoid GUI interface completely 

Even if you think to get rid of Windows, as Planning Analytics is GUI based product so it’s difficult to avoid windows environment completely. It’s easy to install and configure Planning Analytics in windows environment. 

• IBM Support 

Almost all IBM support VMs are running on Windows, so it’s easy for IBM support team to replicate the issue. when they are trying to replicate an issue you might have discovered, it's quick and easy to test. 

LINUX 

Versions Supported for Planning Analytics: 

• Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 8 
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) Server 6.8, 7.x 

Advantages 

• Cost effective Linux servers are cost effective i.e. available at low price than Windows. If your organisation is running a large distributed environment than it can add up some costs. 

• Security  While all servers have susceptibilities that can be locked down, Linux is typically less susceptible and more secure than Windows. 

• Scripting  If you like to automate processes such as startup/shutdowns and server maintenance, the Linux command line and scripting tools make this easy. 

 There are number of Linux OS versions available in the market and due to this it would be difficult to find the information for a specific version. 

CONCLUSION 

When it comes to selecting an operating system, there is no right or wrong choice. It’s totally depends on the usage and how much comfortable you are with the selected OS. At Octane we do prefer to suggest Windows OS because of its simple UI for install and config as well as the support base. However, if you run a Linux-based shop and have server administrators who are comfortable and prefer Linux, then go with Linux we are here to help you.