InformationWeek
Defining The Business Value Of Technology
August 9, 1999
IBM Serves Linux
Netfinity 3500 M10 server offers Linux optimization at a low price
The Netfinity 3500 M10, due next month, is priced at less than $1,800. It will include a driver that lets the open-source operating system take advantage of RAID storage. Users can opt, through resellers or custom configuration, for preinstalled versions of Caldera, Red Hat, Suse, or TurboLinux, and use IBM as a single point of contact for hardware and software support. "Customers are demanding bulletproof Linux," says Mike Riegel, IBM's global executive for Linux and E-business in the Netfinity group. "IBM service and support blows away the competition."
IBM is also launching a plan to work with independent software vendors to certify enterprise applications, such as SAP, for Linux on IBM hardware. Initially, it will work with SAP to certify its R/3 enterprise resource planning software.
Stacy Quandt, an analyst with Giga Information Group, looks favorably on IBM's Linux plans. "Although most major hardware vendors have more or less embraced Linux as the connective tissue for performing low-end file, print, and Web serving," says Quandt, "the challenge will be for vendors to compete on the level of professional services, where IBM has a clear competitive advantage."
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BM will expand on its Linux commitment this week when it unveils a low-cost Netfinity server optimized for the operating system. IBM will also support and service offerings from additional Linux vendors beyond Red Hat Inc. and Caldera Systems Inc., adding TurboLinux and Suse to its roster.
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