Anyone running a Linux service business?
Posted by matta9001@reddit | linux | View on Reddit | 21 comments
Hi all. I wanted to start a discussion about running a business offering Linux services, and hopefully spread some insight into how one may enter this space.
I want to do this because I've been using Linux for about a decade, becoming quite proficient. Now I write software at a large software company, but am far more interested in entrepreneurship and being my own boss.
I like the idea of offering Linux services because unlike a dev agency where a product is built then you find a new project, a post Linux deployment support phase ideally happens on a long term recurring basis, and ideally you only jump in for alerted problems or other enhancements.
So my main question is, has anyone in this community followed a similar path, has seen the real world difficulties, and perhaps insight how someone may get started?
I've created a site https://masoftware.net/, and have been browsing Upwork looking for what services are in demand.
But overall, it would be really cool to hear from those who have made progress in this area and what they have learned. Or point out flaws in my ideas here.
caa_admin@reddit
Not exclusively. I do have clients who use linux solutions. They know it's linux but they don't understand it. They call me if something breaks.
matta9001@reddit (OP)
Would you feel comfortable sharing some insight into processes for finding clients, given your experience? Specifically around your value proposition, and how you reach people who want that value.
Seeking contract work on Upwork to build a network is my current plan, but would be grateful for tips from your perspective.
caa_admin@reddit
For Linux specifically, I don't. My client base is by referral and as I got to know them I'd introduce non-commercial solutions if they understood enough about computers in the first place. :)
You might have to deal with Windows breakfix to get some Linux gigs like this.
kycsucks2025@reddit
Dude the new Project Digits will run on Linux⌨️
matta9001@reddit (OP)
I want one
Building an AI wrapper app that uses your own hardware for LLMs would be so cool
KoriVR@reddit
System76, minis and I think dell offer Linux for personal computers
GoodZookeepergame826@reddit
It’s pretty technical in nature even though you say you make it simple.
The font says you made this site in your web design class in 10th grade.
Don’t tell someone you have reasonable pricing, that screams beginner.
And when a customer shows you 3 companies with lower prices, you’ve painted yourself into a corner.
Lose the blog, the language and topics are very unprofessional and a huge turn off.
Someone else said tinkerer, it shows you aren’t fully committed to knowing everything you need to know.
And to your non-tech person sets up a young kid living in his parents basement with parts and tools everywhere.
matta9001@reddit (OP)
The feedback I needed to hear, thank you.
daemonpenguin@reddit
You haven't really shared any ideas here. You want to work with Linux or provide Linux devices, but that is super vague. It's like saying you want a job that will involve a computer.
If you want to get started, find something people need and supply it. You write software for a big company, so you must know lots of developers, manager, QA people. What is missing from their workflow? What would they pay money to fix in their jobs?
matta9001@reddit (OP)
Definitely valid feedback. I'm still in that exploratory phase, where I vaguely feel that SMBs may have desire for deployments that either require Linux expertise, save costs by rolling it, or want full ownership over their bytes. And would rather pay an opt-out service fee to a consultant to just handle their technical details instead of hiring someone.
I'm thinking like a Kafka cluster for messaging, Django with Postgres, Odoo for ERP/CRM, maybe even Nextcloud for collaboration.
So I'm still figuring whether to double down on one of these examples as a niche, or just offer general Linux services to SMBs and niche down that way, since they really all require the same skillset underneath.
As for solving problems that's missing from workflows, I have ideas, and I've built and deployed a few. But I see a line between "product development" and "offering services". And for services there's no getting around finding something people need and supplying it
So I still have a lot of work to do. Thanks for this feedback.
BraveNewCurrency@reddit
Go watch the YouTube Video "Steve Jobs - Insult Response."
You have a technology, and are trying to "work backwards" towards a customer who has a problem. That is extremely hard.
Instead, start with actual (potential) customers, find out what their problems are, then... Solve actual problems, not theoretical ones you "feel"/"imagine" that people "might" have.
kudlitan@reddit
Instead of targeting end user issues, set up a company that will do B2B and be a BPO for client businesses. Hire agents that you will personally train and oversee, but let them do the fixing and teach them along the way. Do not interact directly with clients. Soon your first batch of employees will be the trainers. This approach allows company growth.
Your website is not an entrepreneur website; it's a freelancer website. You may own the company but you still act as an employee. A real business will give you passive income.
unixbhaskar@reddit
How about disseminating your understanding with people about Linux by teaching/training the damn thing in a precise and practical way??
In that process, you might earn some dough and name, which might help ya to get with it in the future too.
People need to be educated properly about Linux and open source and that is damn big task. Why not dip your feet into it? Did you ever consider this or did that go across your head?
You need to look out for things that people are uncomfortable with regarding Linux and provide them the solace via your expertise.
MSP are flooded in the market with a reputation for ages, why jump into that pond which is overly crowded??
Rather do something with your knowledge or understanding to the people who need it the most.
Lastly, I am a financially poor person but still believe money is the byproduct of what you are good at doing.
YMMV
PS: I forgot to tell ya, freedom is very expensive. And due to my sheer good fortune( read it as a frivolous act), I have been enjoying it for a long long time.
Far_Dimension_6413@reddit
Linux as a service, you mean to build a linux distro that is easy to use and comparable to windows and you sell it fully or put a subscription on it?
sudo_rmtackrf@reddit
I'm a linux engineer. I'm a consultant. I have clients who use Linux for hosting their apps. As someone mentioned before, my clients don't know much about linux and call my team for help.but def look at how msp work, good luck with getting people to switch from Microsoft. Maybe start off with small servers that run on people's current infrastructure to prove linux is great and the right solution. Show them how it integrates with windows ad and dns etc. Then go up from there.
calibrono@reddit
Sounds like you want to have your own systems engineering business of which there are a lot of already.
stickenhoffen@reddit
Maybe don't use the word tinkerer. Good luck with it all!
oradba@reddit
Look at what the large software management services do (i.e., MSPs without the hardware) and figure out how you will differentiate. It's tough to be on call 24/7 by yourself.
matta9001@reddit (OP)
This is a good pointer, to start researching MSPs, how they market themselves, and what services they offer. Thanks.
I wonder what good differentiation strategies are for solopreneurs. Less bureaucracy and more individual attention maybe.
Yeah it’s tough being on call but I already get dragged into escalations. Would be cool to do it remotely for myself, I could manage a few deployments for a few clients with the same effort.
elatllat@reddit
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Managed_services
not-a-temp-employee@reddit
As a Linux guy myself, I have thought of this a few times. You need to be good and teaching people why Linux is better than their 15 year old windows box that they know and love. I also found that a lot of smaller IT shops are handling server management with IT management. Good luck.