Big Blue commits to Linux OS

IBM has made the first concrete plans to mark its recent commitment to the Linux operating system.

The systems giant will enable its client/server-based Network Stations to run on the open source OS and contribute resources to the development of a Journaled File System for the enterprise environment.

The moves follow IBM's announcement last month to port all its server hardware to Linux (see 'IBM reveals large-scale Linux push' http://www.silicon.com/a34985 ).

IBM will port Via Voice to Linux, which it claims is the first speech recognition technology for the open source OS, as well as providing a free developer kit for small businesses to make their own Linux applications for the desktop.

Adam Jollans, marketing manager for IBM, said: "We will go where the market takes us. Now we are increasing our focus on Linux," he said.

The news comes as Dell revealed it is pre-installing Red Hat Linux on two of its laptop PC models. According to US reports, the models will be the same price as those running on Windows 2000.