Corel pushes for Linux-based desktops

Corel Corporation is looking to become the Linux supplier for a new breed of desktops, according to CEO Dr Michael Cowpland.

In an exclusive interview with Silicon.com, Cowpland said Intel is just one of many organisations with which it is holding discussions on developing desktops that would run on Corel's Linux operating system (OS).

Cowpland explained: "The Linux market will be in the appliance level - which is the $300 space. Those units are only just beginning to emerge because up to now there hasn't been a friendly OS."

But he added Corel's aim isn't to take market share away from Microsoft. "Windows workstations will continue to sell in the 100 million a year range, but there will also be these Linux Internet applications coming up alongside them."

Cowpland believes this is fast approaching because the $300 market space is "where Windows is too expensive and Linux does a better job". He said: "Right now is take-up time for Linux on the desktop and that's when these $300 units of Linux will really thrive."

But Neil Laver, product manager for Windows at Microsoft, said: "There's no evidence whatsoever that Linux is friendly."

Clive Longbottom, strategy analyst at Strategy Partners agreed: "Up until now it hasn't been a success on the desktop because it's been a pig to install."

He added that although Corel could get the hardware through its relationship with Canadian computer manufacturer Rebel.com, the key problem is the company's profile. "It's not the best. Corel needs other partners for this to succeed," said Longbottom.