Windows NT slammed as Linux gets boost

The managing director of a UK equipment vendor has predicted the demise of Windows NT in favour of the free Linux operating system.

The claims came at the launch of a Linux-based mini server from Cobalt. John Brittain Adams, managing director at Mintra - Cobalt's UK distributor - claimed: "Windows NT will be obliterated in five to seven years."

He believes the launch of Cobalt's CacheQube marks another step in the growing popularity of Linux.

The CacheQube server is a 7in cube designed for small to medium sized firms and the education market. Being based on Linux, the server also avoids licensing costs.

Cobalt claims it is designed primarily for Web caching and uses a browser interface to ease the set up process. Gunter Kraft, Cobalt sales and European marketing manager, quipped: "It's easier to configure than a toaster." The server caches Web pages so they can be instantly accessed if needed again.

The CacheQube can handle one or two T1 lines. It has a 4.3GB disk cache, 64MB of Dram and weighs 2.8kg.

Microsoft was unavailable for comment.