Posted by: Brian Masinick
on June 20, 2002 04:08 AM
I understand IBM's realization that 98% of requests for Linux efforts come from the server community and not the desktop community. Let's face it, GNU/Linux desktop software is still in the infancy stage, relatively speaking. That's not in any way to suggest that it's bad, it's just an observation that it has not yet reached full maturity.
IBM could do much for the Linux desktop environment by legitimizing it, much as they did with the original PC and most recently with Linux servers. While the market numbers are not quite there yet, the surge and expansion of desktop software certainly IS there.
IBM's market and software support for that space could do much to bolster it. In addition to supporting server software, such as DB2 and WebSphere, IBM could bring Lotus Desktop applications to the desktop market, encourage other hardware vendors to develop more hardware drivers, and be viewed as a leader in this space. If they did it right, they could provide real leadership without becoming overbearing or too controling. Personally, I challenge IBM to move into that space. I'd sure support them, and if they'd hire me, I'd even LEAD them into that space! :-)
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IBM COULD help legitimize Linux on the desktop
Posted by: Brian Masinick on June 20, 2002 04:08 AMIBM could do much for the Linux desktop environment by legitimizing it, much as they did with the original PC and most recently with Linux servers. While the market numbers are not quite there yet, the surge and expansion of desktop software certainly IS there.
IBM's market and software support for that space could do much to bolster it. In addition to supporting server software, such as DB2 and WebSphere, IBM could bring Lotus Desktop applications to the desktop market, encourage other hardware vendors to develop more hardware drivers, and be viewed as a leader in this space. If they did it right, they could provide real leadership without becoming overbearing or too controling. Personally, I challenge IBM to move into that space. I'd sure support them, and if they'd hire me, I'd even LEAD them into that space! :-)
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