IBM takes Linux on board

IBM is pushing into the Linux market with the development of its own version of the open source operating system (OS) to roll out onto two computer lines.

The company is also expected to add Linux support to its services business and port its software to the relatively new OS. Big Blue is expected to announce details at the LinuxWorld conference in San Jose, 2 March.

IBM is working on introducing Linux on two separate server lines, its low-end power PC-based RS/6000 machines - aimed at the academic market - and its Intel-based Netfinity lines.

On its Netfinity servers IBM will establish support for Red Hat's distribution of Linux similar to more mainstream OS such as Microsoft's Windows NT or Santa Cruz Operations' UnixWare. IBM will handle hardware and software technical support for the first 90 days and leave the installation of the OS to resellers or customers.

Sources close to the company said it will begin its Linux Netfinity plans with low-end servers - with one or two processors. The company is also thinking about scientific and technical computing as a potential future market for the Intel-based Linux boxes.

IBM previously released a beta version of its DB2 database software for
Linux and now plans to release a Linux version of its Lotus Domino and Notes collaboration software.

IBM is expected to announce licensing deals with several top Linux distributors, including Caldera Systems, Red Hat, SuSE and Pacific Hi-Tech.