Linux got a big vote of support today as IBM and Red Hat Software Inc. outlined a partnership in which the companies will develop IBM's server and client systems to run on Red Hat's Linux platform. IBM hopes the move to an open-source platform will satisfy customers who are looking for more than just Unix systems.

By developing with Red Hat, IBM adds credibility to Linux at the CIO level in the enterprise, and raises the bar when it comes to vendors waving the Linux flag, according to Stacey Quandt, an analyst with the Giga Group. "There's a lot of noise in the Linux space, but IBM has taken it to a whole new level by developing it from the server to the desktop," she said. "Now other hardware or server vendors will need to do something of a comparable nature if they want to remain competitive."

Developers from IBM and Red Hat will be working together to move Linux onto IBM's Netfinity servers, PC 300 Commercial Desktops, IntelliStations, and ThinkPads. Red Hat will also train IBM's support staff in Linux, and the companies will work collaboratively on customer-support offerings.