HP sets up open source unit

Hewlett-Packard (HP) is to commit itself to the open source software movement by devoting an entire department to it.

HP's Open Source Solutions Operation (Osso) will make Linux support its first priority, porting the operating system (OS) to its high-end Unix server, PA-Risc. Development for the PA-Risc project has been contracted out to Linux consultancy, The Puffin Group.

In January, the company announced support for Linux on its Netserver line using Red Hat software. HP also committed itself to bringing Linux onto its 64bit platform. HP marketing manager, Hugh Jenkins said: "Now that we have the division, we'll find a lot of open source organisations beating a path to our door. Osso will be the people who can spot open source opportunities early."

However, Jenkins admitted that Linux is still an unproven quantity - popular with Internet service providers and the education sector, but not ready for wider corporate adoption. Applications for Linux are still lacking, he said, and customers need to see others using it successfully before they bet their businesses on it.

But Jenkins remains cautiously optimistic about Linux's future: "It takes a good four or five years for any operating system to become established, and you've got to give these things the benefit of the doubt. Hopefully, over the next few years our investment will be paid off in server sales."