Red Hat chief says Linux benefits go beyond 'freeware'

Linux is not the free operating system (OS) that many of its devotees claim, but it still offers a distinct advantage over its rivals, according to Red Hat European VP, Colin Tenwick.

In a video interview with Silicon.com, Tenwick claimed Linux's real advantage is the greater freedom of choice and innovation that it offers.

Tenwick said: "Open source doesn't necessarily mean free - what it means, however, is that people have huge choice." Vendors like Red Hat will still have to get most of their money from providing services and support for the Linux environments, he added.

Rob Hailstone, research director at Bloor Research, agreed that Linux is not going to be free at the point of delivery for the enterprise customer. "No one will get the operating system raw, so essentially people will pay for it bundled in with other products and services; but it will still work out a lot cheaper than proprietary software," he said.

Tenwick claimed the investment that Red Hat was able to generate for its move into Europe proves the demand for Linux is rising.

Hailstone agreed, saying the availability of vendor services for Linux strengthens the market considerably. However, he said it will be a year before Linux makes an appearance on the corporate desktop.