Why Cloud Linux Is Beneficial for E-Commerce Stores

Perhaps you’re thinking of launching an e-commerce store, or you already have one and are looking for a flexible and secure way to run it. If so, using Linux in the cloud could be highly beneficial for your business.

Cloud-based Linux solutions offer the inherent security and stability of Linux, along with the well-known flexibility of cloud computing. This article will explore why using Linux in the cloud is beneficial for e-commerce stores, along with some potential challenges you may encounter, to equip you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision. 

A Cloud-Based Linux Solution Helps Your Store Adapt

Today’s e-commerce stores must be flexible. Using Linux in the cloud supports that reality, giving you room to grow. Linux is an open-source operating system that helps you avoid vendor lock-in. You then have more control over the type of infrastructure you want for your e-commerce store and your preferred operating model. 

In order for your business to succeed and grow, your website must also offer top performance at all times. Otherwise, customers will likely get frustrated, and many will take their business elsewhere given that they have many other options to choose from. Alternatively, customers with consistently excellent experiences at your e-commerce store are more likely to return for future purchases and even recommend it to their friends. Once you begin running your e-commerce site on Linux in the cloud, it’s easy to use website optimization tools to fix problems such as sites that load too slowly. However, it’s critical to keep in mind that while it is a major component, the website experience is not the sole indicator of customer satisfaction. 

Some cloud-based Linux products also support clients who oversee shared servers. It’s more common for e-commerce customers to benefit from shared servers rather than operate them. That’s because the shared model is typically more affordable and can enhance a website's performance. It’s also ideal if you’re on a limited budget and want to build a reliable online presence without overspending. 

Linux Is a Security-Focused Operating System

The general consensus among experts is that Linux is the most secure OS for businesses. Security is built into the design in the Linux environment. It’s also advantageous that the open-source community regularly reviews Linux source code. Because of the constant scrutiny that Linux source code undergoes by this vibrant worldwide community, people are more likely to spot potential vulnerabilities that could lead to outages for your e-commerce store or other sites if left unaddressed. 

Microsoft made headlines in 2015 when it began offering its cloud-based Azure services to Linux users. The company also relied on Linux to run many of its associated cloud servers. A major tech name such as Microsoft offering these options is a strong approval for Linux and its security-related benefits. 

Linux Has Tight Safeguards for Administrative Permissions

Things can go wrong at your e-commerce company if too many people have administrative privileges. In such cases, there’s a higher likelihood of individuals making mistakes that could severely impact the site’s functionality. Many threat actors also use administrative privileges as gateways to cause damage. 

One of the main advantages of using Linux is that, unlike Windows, it does not create administrative accounts by default. Users can engage with the home directory without restrictions but must enter root passwords before making system-level changes. 

Windows users have the option to improve security by properly configuring user permissions, but the reality is that this often doesn’t always happen on Windows machines. Thus, the fact that Linux provides tight administrative controls by default is a marked security advantage.

Additionally, if you use Linux in the cloud, your provider will probably have separate user-based permissions to configure after installation, which can provide even stronger safeguards. However, you should always set aside adequate time to learn about any available security-related cloud features and whether they’re worthwhile for your e-commerce enterprise. 

Linux Maintains Security With Package Managers and Repositories 

Getting an app from the Windows or MacOS operating systems usually involves going to an application marketplace, selecting the desired product, and downloading and installing it. 

However, things work differently on Linux. Linux users use package managers to download the programs they need. These programs come from repositories, which open-source community members usually manage. It takes comparatively longer for packages to be verified and accepted; however, the user experience is ultimately more secure because of this process. There’s also no need to do an Internet search for the package managers. You can find them with simple commands, making the experience more straightforward. 

Some providers of Linux offerings in the cloud also have dedicated tools for their customers. You might find apps that allow you to boost your e-commerce site’s functionality or give you a better idea of how its traffic levels change from month to month. 

Cloud Linux Resources Help You Focus on E-Commerce Growth 

A benefit of operating in the e-commerce industry is that it gives you numerous options for pursuing ongoing growth. 

You might want to build a progressive web app for your store, believing its fast loading time and offline usability will provide your customers’ desired features. Progressive web apps behave like websites but include several enhancements ideal for e-commerce stores. For example, they’re fully responsive, making them look great across devices and operating systems. 

The global e-commerce market has seen tremendous growth in recent years and, according to Insider Intelligence, is expected to total $6.3 trillion in 2023. This recent growth was largely due largely to the COVID-19 pandemic that caused many people to shop online much more frequently than they previously did. Remote working was another trend spurred by the pandemic, which businesses capitalized on to grow their e-commerce presence. Linux is not a frequent target for hackers due to its niche usage. You can even use open-source monitoring and authentication tools on Linux, helping you secure your store after hiring remote workers. 

Potential Challenges of Using Linux in the Cloud 

Company growth becomes more challenging if you spend too much of your time trying to resolve unexpected tech issues. Fortunately, Linux is a highly stable operating system, so you can anticipate using it with few or no delays. Rest assured in the reliability of your chosen technological solution and get back to the details of how to help your e-commerce business succeed. 

Even so, you should know the potential obstacles you may encounter by moving to a cloud-based Linux solution. The main one is that Linux is not as widely used as the Windows MacOS operating systems. People who are less familiar with it or have not used it at all may be hesitant to use it for their e-commerce store. 

Similarly, some people need time to get used to the community aspect of open-source products, including Linux. The benefits include getting feedback from community members that could allow you to improve your online store faster. However, if your company has solely or mostly used closed-source software, you’ll undoubtedly need to put time and effort into making a smooth transition. 

Don’t rush into finding a suitable cloud provider. Account for your budget, employees’ familiarity with the cloud and how much you hope to scale your business over the coming years before finalizing your decision. The more forethought you put into the early stages, the easier it will be to mitigate challenges and view them as valuable learning experiences. 

A Cloud-Based Linux Product Is Well Worth Your Consideration

In this article, we discussed some key reasons that cloud-based Linux solutions deserve your attention when looking for a way to improve your e-commerce site. These solutions have the potential to help your business adapt and grow, while improving the security of your e-commerce store. No matter what you sell or when you established your online store, it’s easy to find cloud-based Linux products with features and support to help your business run smoothly and achieve lasting success.