[luau] NEWS: IBM's Linux Commitment?

[Warren Togami]

Newsforge examines IBM's commitment to Linux and Open Source.

http://newsforge.com/newsforge/02/05/20/1728220.shtml?tid=23

Now it all seems inevitable. IBM and Linux, Linux and IBM. Today, the two go
together as closely as Microsoft and Windows. But what is IBM really getting
from Linux? How well is the partnership between what was once seen as the
stodgiest of all computer companies and the most rebellious of all operating
systems actually going beyond the ad campaigns and the constant
announcements of new deals?
...
(About their $1 billion investment in Linux)
So what is the actual breakdown? IBM's not telling. According to an IBM
senior PR representative, "The $1 billion investment IBM made in Linux in
2001 was across hardware, software and services. The investment spanned a
number of areas, including development, marketing, sales, ISV support and
advertising worldwide. As for a breakdown of the investment between AIX and
Linux, we don't break the percentages down to that level."
...
Has IBM been good for Linux development?
Here there can be little doubt. It has supported porting Linux to its own
platforms and development of device drivers; has made its journaled file
system technology available under GPL; and has supported Linux developers.
It's easy to see why many analysts and developers think that IBM is the best
friend a Linux programmer can have. And, that's before the money and
resources IBM provides to its Linux distribution partners.
...
Even [Bruce] Perens is quick to point out that IBM and HP's adoption of the
GPL has lead to the two becoming "good collaborators." He adds: "The GPL is
the only thing that ensures that partners can work together. Traditionally,
HP and IBM haven't worked well together, but in Open Source, we manage to do
it." Between Open Source making it possible for IBM to work with other
industry powers and empowering its Linux operation, it's hard to see IBM
going back to its old proprietary ways.
 ...
Business wise, the case is open and shut. IBM has proven to be a winner for
Linux. As Eric Raymond, co-founder of the Open Source Initiative, says,
"Having the biggest technology company in the world back Linux sent a clear
signal to a lot of conservative types at large corporations who would
otherwise have taken longer to pay serious attention."

(continued in article)
http://newsforge.com/newsforge/02/05/20/1728220.shtml?tid=23