Netflix used FreeBSD for their entire CDN.
No need for the past tense; they still do.
I mean: I think of the CDN having its control system in addition to controlled appliances, and so on.
"Netflix delivers streaming content using a combination of intelligent clients, a central control system, and a network of Open Connect appliances. …"
Netflix portrays FreeBSD in the Open Connect software context:
Well, I still get more done on Linux.
No doubt, so do I. FreeBSD is good for very specific things like rock solid stability and intense networking. But for general purpose use I too prefer Linux, because it gets all the new toys first.
If I want to build a rock solid stable internet service, I reach for FreeBSD. If I want to use a Unix desktop I reach for MacOS. If I want to have a personal server for messing around with or running some proof-of-concept app or website, I reach for Linux.
Each has its uses.
Not as funny as things changing without you noticing ;-)
Torture is a little dramatic lol. Why should anyone else? If it meets their needs, if they feel comfortable using, or it has a particular feature they like/need.
Check out the use cases and testimonials:
https://freebsdfoundation.org/freebsd-project/what-is-freebs... https://freebsdfoundation.org/about-us/testimonials/
If you wonder why the first of those two pages is entirely rewritten: see what's going on with the Enterprise Working Group.
https://wiki.freebsd.org/EnterpriseWorkingGroup
Please note, that group's work is necessarily focused. There's a definition of 'general purpose enterprise server', and so on.
Other groups have focii that differ from, or overlap with, general purpose enterprise server. Most obvious: desktop and embedded.
HTH
I used to be a FreeBSD user back in the days of walnut creek CD-ROM.
But today I see very little reason to torture myself with FreeBSD. So why should anyone else?
I get the sentiment that it's good to have diversity and competition, but if you want to get a job done then Linux is the best out right now.