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Feature: Open Source
IBM on leaked memo: Nothing to see here. Move along...
By Joe Barr
on
January 09, 2004 (8:00:00 AM)
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It looked like a great story opportunity to me. There it was, right at the bottom of the leaked IBM internal memo reported on by Mike Magee in The Inquirer on Wednesday which seemed to call for an internal migration of desktops at IBM to Linux: the name and location of an IBMer leading something called an "Open Desktop Project Office." I immediately fired off an email to my IBM PR contact asking for an interview with the project leader. But sometimes the story is that there is no story -- or at least no answer.
Then I began making a list of questions to ask IBM when the PR rep returned my call. The list went something like this:
1. What distribution will you use?
2. What applications must be present on the desktop?
3. What are your alternative choices when no Linux version of a required app exists?
4. What distribution will you choose?
5. What desktop environment will you use?
6. What remote management tools will you use?
7. What open office will you use?
8. What training will be involved?
9. Will you start preloading Linux on desktop machines?
I kept glancing at the clock all the next day, checking my email every 10 minutes or so for the response from IBM, so I could plan on when to do the rest of the story. The email never came.
This morning I contacted IBM again, explaining that I was patiently waiting for a reply but had received nothing. That's when I learned that IBM would not be making the gentleman available for an interview. Not with me and not with anyone else, near term at least.
Googling for news on the furtive memo today, I see that other voices are reporting some spin from IBM on the whole situation. Not spin up, however, spin down, as reported this morning in the San Jose Mercury News, among other places. The message from IBM is consistent and clear: "Move along, please, there is no story here."
That reverse spin, that suddenly focused beam of invisibility which has been aimed at the story in lieu of light, speaks loudly of the fear of the force that controls the industry. IBM backed down from an angry Microsoft in the mid-'90s, agreeing to "knife the baby" and move its infant OS/2 desktop directly from the newborn to hospice care.
If the story really is "no big deal," as IBM would have us believe, why not make an exec or two available to talk about it? It may not be world-shaking news, but it is interesting enough to those in the Linux community that they would like to learn a little more about it.
I'm much more inclined to believe -- and in the silence from IBM all we can do is speculate -- that there is much more to the story than IBM is willing to admit. My hunch is that either IBM is afraid of Microsoft's reaction in to the news, or worse, they don't want to face the questions from irate customers as to why they want to use Linux internally but refuse to preload it on their own computers.
Roblimo wrote recently about the reluctance of government entities to speak openly about their plans for and pilots of open source solutions. Maybe that's just as true in Armonk as it is at city hall.
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on IBM on leaked memo: Nothing to see here. Move along...Note: Comments are owned by the poster. We are not responsible for their content.
IBM admits that the memo is real, but insists that it was internal and only meant for the IT people.
The memo itself says IBM's chairman, Samuel Palmisano, had challenged the company's information-technology department, "and indeed all of IBM, to move to a Linux-based desktop before the end of 2005."
There is an internal project at IBM on an Open Source desktop. It is led by Perry Riggs, in Austin. All of it is real, and confirmed, except for the scope.
Re:I don't think that "leaked" memo came from IBM.
Posted by: Anonymous Coward on January 12, 2004 12:48 PM
Your post shows that you have no knowledge of Linux in specific or of platform migration in general.
First, how do you qualify or support the idea that these managers couldn't switch desktops within 5 years? ? These are managers at IBM....they've already been through a few switches. And this bit about changing the data "from one format to another"...which format, and what data?
Point is, you have no clue what this migration will entail. Neither do I...but IBM's internal IT organization has a pretty good idea of the situation, I'm betting. If the CEO is sending out memos challenging them to do that, I expect it is well within reach.
First, how do you qualify or support the idea that these managers couldn't switch desktops within 5 years? ? These are managers at IBM....they've already been through a few switches. And this bit about changing the data "from one format to another"...which format, and what data?
Point is, you have no clue what this migration will entail. Neither do I...but IBM's internal IT organization has a pretty good idea of the situation, I'm betting. If the CEO is sending out memos challenging them to do that, I expect it is well within reach.
Could it be that IBM doesn't want to talk to
Posted by: Anonymous Coward on January 10, 2004 05:15 AM
Tech Journalists, given the shabby way IBM has been treated by them in wake of the SCO mess, caused in no large part by Tech Journalists not checking the "facts" given to them by SCO?
No. IBM works with tech journalists day in and day out. Certainly here in the Linux press, IBM has gotten the best of SCO in terms of fair treatment.
Speaking as one of the folks who bet their career on IBMs OS/2 (currently for hire, will work for food), comments like this raise my blood pressure into the red zone. IBM was possibly treated shabbily because IBM has proven that you cannot cannot believe IBM. Many, many times. Personally, I continue to be nervous about the future of linux, primarily because if IBM sees a way to screw this up, they will. And only a fool will underestimate IBMs ability to screw things up.
here: http://www.infoworld.com/article/04/01/08/HNibmch<nobr>a<wbr></nobr> llenge_1.html
Spokesperson quoted saying "This (memo) was not a directive, but a challenge to an internal team," she said. "It is routine for IBM to challenge its internal IT team to rigorously test new platforms and technology inside IBM."
Seems a bit odd that the CEO routinely "challenges" teams to work towards goals that are not intended for real. In any case they don't deny the authenticity of the memo, so their backpedalling seems to me just insurance against the loss of face they would suffer next year in case the OS turnaround does not work out. Fair enough, but how can they convince anyone that Linux is the way ahead if they do not dare try it for themselves?
Spokesperson quoted saying "This (memo) was not a directive, but a challenge to an internal team," she said. "It is routine for IBM to challenge its internal IT team to rigorously test new platforms and technology inside IBM."
Seems a bit odd that the CEO routinely "challenges" teams to work towards goals that are not intended for real. In any case they don't deny the authenticity of the memo, so their backpedalling seems to me just insurance against the loss of face they would suffer next year in case the OS turnaround does not work out. Fair enough, but how can they convince anyone that Linux is the way ahead if they do not dare try it for themselves?
seems to me just insurance against the loss of face they would suffer next year in case the OS turnaround does not work out
Doesn't it seem more likely that this is just a nicer way of saying get rid of Windows as fast as you can? IBM does a lot of business with Microsoft, and they're probably just very cautious about what they make a big deal out of, and what they do quietly.
Doesn't it seem more likely that this is just a nicer way of saying get rid of Windows as fast as you can? IBM does a lot of business with Microsoft, and they're probably just very cautious about what they make a big deal out of, and what they do quietly.
Yes maybe, but this did not stop them trying with OS/2. As the article mentions though, it may be memories of that experience that make them cautious about announcing a windows ditch.
this did not stop them trying with OS/2
But there's more history there.. OS/2 was originally a joint effort between Microsoft and IBM. Microsoft pulled out and went ahead with its own OS, that we now know as Windows. <A HREF="http://www.os2bbs.com/os2news/OS2Warp.html" TITLE="os2bbs.com">The story is here</a os2bbs.com>
But there's more history there.. OS/2 was originally a joint effort between Microsoft and IBM. Microsoft pulled out and went ahead with its own OS, that we now know as Windows. <A HREF="http://www.os2bbs.com/os2news/OS2Warp.html" TITLE="os2bbs.com">The story is here</a os2bbs.com>
Lindows, please read a copy of recent Lindows Newsletter below...
Michael's Minute: The CEO Challenge
We recently had the CEO of a large enterprise visit our offices here in San Diego to look at LindowsOS. This company has over $1 Billion in annual revenues. The CEO told us that they've had enough of Microsoft's expensive, cumbersome and restrictive licensing, as well as the costs they have incurred dealing with viruses, bugs, crashes, and security patches. The interesting thing, however, was that this CEO didn't have any experience or knowledge of Linux whatsoever. The only thing he knew was that Linux was "supposed to be" much more stable, secure and affordable than Microsoft's products. Armed with only these scant (although very important) data points, he traveled several states to meet with us, wanting to see for himself if Linux really was a viable option for his company.
I also found it interesting that this CEO came to meet with us personally, rather than just dispatching someone from his IT department. "I have found that IT departments often don't like change," he said. "That's why I'm here. I have had enough with the status quo treatment we get from Microsoft, and I want to see first hand if it's time for a change. Our company prides itself on early adoption of any innovation which can give us an edge over our competition--we're known for that. I'm starting to hear more and more that Linux could very well be such an innovation, so I want to see for myself if it is."
Thrilled at the opportunity to demonstrate the advantages of Linux to one so open-minded, we sat down in our conference room and proceeded to demonstrate LindowsOS.
He was "blown away" (his words, not mine).
I let him perform the installation, and he was completely amazed when he was able to do it in under 10 minutes with absolutely no help or assistance from us. This wasn't an exceptionally technical CEO, but he knew enough to realize that this was much simpler and easier than Microsoft XP.
LindowsOS editing popular document file types in StarOffice 7
After he had installed and started LindowsOS, he was next pleasantly surprised to find out how easy it was to check his email, instant message with his employees, and surf the web. He was particularly impressed with how beautiful the rendered fonts appeared, and with the myriad of files types and audio/video streams that LindowsOS handled. He had no idea at the level of compatibility we have achieved with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents, as well as Flash, Java, MP3, QuickTime, AVI, and other popular content.
He had his notebook computer with him, running XP. From that machine, he emailed himself two documents, a business plan written in Word for Windows and a forecast in Excel. I had him retrieve these documents from his email on the LindowsOS machine. One click and they loaded. He made changes, saved them, then emailed them back to himself. He then returned to his XP machine, only to find that both documents opened without problem and contained the changes he had made to both.
CNR Aisles
I demonstrated how CNR (click and run) "Aisles" can be used by enterprises to deploy and manage all the applications throughout even the largest companies. It was obvious to the CEO that our CNR technology far outpaced what they were currently doing with XP and all of its CDs, activation codes, and restrictive licensing.
After the demonstration, he told me that migrating away from Microsoft not only appeared to be a real possibility, but something they should do right away. He then went on to ask me if it would be as easy to migrate as it appeared, based on what he had just witnessed. I told him, "Not entirely." I honestly explained that there would be some challenges ahead, and outlined for him what he could expect:
I told him to expect possible resistance from his IT department, for just as he had pointed out when we first met, change isn't always welcome there. I did, however, explain that there was also a good chance that there would be many in this department who will dance with glee when they hear of his desire to change to Linux.
I told him that resistance will not only come from his IT department, but from all those who were used to using Microsoft products. As easy-to-use as these new products are, and as comfortable as they will feel to those who are used to Microsoft's products, even the slightest change can be a hurdle for some people. I said to him that he'd need to take the lead in convincing his employees to be open-minded to the change.
I explained to him that his company may have had some applications that were developed exclusively for them, that may or may not run on LindowsOS, and that some work could be involved with migrating such software or finding adequate replacements.
However, along with these challenges that I shared with him, I made him a promise. I promised him that if their company would "bite the bullet" and go through a few weeks of "transitional pain," they would never regret it. I promised him that they would come to love their new system, and would never want to go back. I promised him that he would save literally hundreds of thousands of dollars in maintenance, down-time from viruses and patches, and software costs as well. The reason I could give him such assurances, is that MY company has been through the transition. I know other companies who have done it, and all say it was well worth the journey.
I challenged this CEO to return to his company with a mandate for his IT department to commit to having their company Microsoft free by this time next year.
I would encourage ALL CEOs to accept the same challenge: if you want your company to start enjoying all the competitive advantages that Desktop Linux can bring, it will take a challenge from you, the CEO, to your company to become Microsoft-free by the end of next year. Such a challenge would not have been possible a year or two ago, but today, and throughout 2004, this is VERY real and doable.
My challenge to CEOs everywhere is to become Microsoft-free by this time next year. You won't regret it. I promise.
Michael
Now Doesn't IBM fit the bill here...?
Michael's Minute: The CEO Challenge
We recently had the CEO of a large enterprise visit our offices here in San Diego to look at LindowsOS. This company has over $1 Billion in annual revenues. The CEO told us that they've had enough of Microsoft's expensive, cumbersome and restrictive licensing, as well as the costs they have incurred dealing with viruses, bugs, crashes, and security patches. The interesting thing, however, was that this CEO didn't have any experience or knowledge of Linux whatsoever. The only thing he knew was that Linux was "supposed to be" much more stable, secure and affordable than Microsoft's products. Armed with only these scant (although very important) data points, he traveled several states to meet with us, wanting to see for himself if Linux really was a viable option for his company.
I also found it interesting that this CEO came to meet with us personally, rather than just dispatching someone from his IT department. "I have found that IT departments often don't like change," he said. "That's why I'm here. I have had enough with the status quo treatment we get from Microsoft, and I want to see first hand if it's time for a change. Our company prides itself on early adoption of any innovation which can give us an edge over our competition--we're known for that. I'm starting to hear more and more that Linux could very well be such an innovation, so I want to see for myself if it is."
Thrilled at the opportunity to demonstrate the advantages of Linux to one so open-minded, we sat down in our conference room and proceeded to demonstrate LindowsOS.
He was "blown away" (his words, not mine).
I let him perform the installation, and he was completely amazed when he was able to do it in under 10 minutes with absolutely no help or assistance from us. This wasn't an exceptionally technical CEO, but he knew enough to realize that this was much simpler and easier than Microsoft XP.
LindowsOS editing popular document file types in StarOffice 7
After he had installed and started LindowsOS, he was next pleasantly surprised to find out how easy it was to check his email, instant message with his employees, and surf the web. He was particularly impressed with how beautiful the rendered fonts appeared, and with the myriad of files types and audio/video streams that LindowsOS handled. He had no idea at the level of compatibility we have achieved with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents, as well as Flash, Java, MP3, QuickTime, AVI, and other popular content.
He had his notebook computer with him, running XP. From that machine, he emailed himself two documents, a business plan written in Word for Windows and a forecast in Excel. I had him retrieve these documents from his email on the LindowsOS machine. One click and they loaded. He made changes, saved them, then emailed them back to himself. He then returned to his XP machine, only to find that both documents opened without problem and contained the changes he had made to both.
CNR Aisles
I demonstrated how CNR (click and run) "Aisles" can be used by enterprises to deploy and manage all the applications throughout even the largest companies. It was obvious to the CEO that our CNR technology far outpaced what they were currently doing with XP and all of its CDs, activation codes, and restrictive licensing.
After the demonstration, he told me that migrating away from Microsoft not only appeared to be a real possibility, but something they should do right away. He then went on to ask me if it would be as easy to migrate as it appeared, based on what he had just witnessed. I told him, "Not entirely." I honestly explained that there would be some challenges ahead, and outlined for him what he could expect:
I told him to expect possible resistance from his IT department, for just as he had pointed out when we first met, change isn't always welcome there. I did, however, explain that there was also a good chance that there would be many in this department who will dance with glee when they hear of his desire to change to Linux.
I told him that resistance will not only come from his IT department, but from all those who were used to using Microsoft products. As easy-to-use as these new products are, and as comfortable as they will feel to those who are used to Microsoft's products, even the slightest change can be a hurdle for some people. I said to him that he'd need to take the lead in convincing his employees to be open-minded to the change.
I explained to him that his company may have had some applications that were developed exclusively for them, that may or may not run on LindowsOS, and that some work could be involved with migrating such software or finding adequate replacements.
However, along with these challenges that I shared with him, I made him a promise. I promised him that if their company would "bite the bullet" and go through a few weeks of "transitional pain," they would never regret it. I promised him that they would come to love their new system, and would never want to go back. I promised him that he would save literally hundreds of thousands of dollars in maintenance, down-time from viruses and patches, and software costs as well. The reason I could give him such assurances, is that MY company has been through the transition. I know other companies who have done it, and all say it was well worth the journey.
I challenged this CEO to return to his company with a mandate for his IT department to commit to having their company Microsoft free by this time next year.
I would encourage ALL CEOs to accept the same challenge: if you want your company to start enjoying all the competitive advantages that Desktop Linux can bring, it will take a challenge from you, the CEO, to your company to become Microsoft-free by the end of next year. Such a challenge would not have been possible a year or two ago, but today, and throughout 2004, this is VERY real and doable.
My challenge to CEOs everywhere is to become Microsoft-free by this time next year. You won't regret it. I promise.
Michael
Now Doesn't IBM fit the bill here...?
I don't see any reason to not believe him. But it doesn't really sound like he was talking about IBM.
Also, although I "technically" am willing to believe him, I also believe that he puts a huge amount of spin on his press releases. E.g., it could well be that the CEO was in town for totally unrelated reasons. And could have been merely very polite.
But I also accept that the events probably happened, and that not *too* much interpretation was placed on them.
Also, although I "technically" am willing to believe him, I also believe that he puts a huge amount of spin on his press releases. E.g., it could well be that the CEO was in town for totally unrelated reasons. And could have been merely very polite.
But I also accept that the events probably happened, and that not *too* much interpretation was placed on them.
IBM corporate has just given the IT guys the word that they WON'T get fired for promoting GNU/Linux in the workplace!
The half empty glass has now been spun around and is now a half full glass!
YEA, IBM! But, in keeping with decorum, no announcements of the conversion until it is done, and the bean-counters have done their report of the tens of million$ SAVED! (equates to huge profits and takings for stockholders, corporate execs.!)
The half empty glass has now been spun around and is now a half full glass!
YEA, IBM! But, in keeping with decorum, no announcements of the conversion until it is done, and the bean-counters have done their report of the tens of million$ SAVED! (equates to huge profits and takings for stockholders, corporate execs.!)
Not to be anti anything, however I have found very real and damaging problems with this. Creating Word or Open Office documents and putting JPG pictures then saving in Word format causes Open Office to strip the pictures. This could be a really problem that a CEO would get upset at. I know it is easy to fix, etc... I did do that. Just saying that with problems like this, it may not be as easy as the article says.
That article mentions StarOffice, not OpenOffice. I suppose such things don't happen in StarOffice.
I don't believe he is talking about Linux. I'm sure the IBM CEO knows more that linux "security" is more than just a rumor. They have to if they've decided to deploy Linux stations and advertise for linux. The article just makes it sound like the CEO is from a company that doesn't do anything with linux and is getting interested in switching and thus getting information about implementing linux when IBM has been doing this for a while for clients.
--KallDrexx
--KallDrexx
Asserting that I'm a favorite of open source to be sure to fend off those reactions from people with their blinkers on; please Joe Barr, it was just a leaked memo. That memo clearly expresses the freedom for the managers whether they want to migrate to Linux or not. This memo challenges the addressees, nothing more. There is even no report which distro's and apps had to be used, the addressees are here also free to choose. So, it looks like that it's not a corporate policy. It's just a challenge. So even more out of the question are the details you want to know with that list of questions of yours. This behaviour is rather pathetic, you have proven you didn't get it. With this kind of behaviour you make look the Linux favorites silly and with blinkers on.
Um, perhaps you also failed to see something. There is a Open Source Desktop Project current at IBM above and beyond the challenge.
The questions I raised are most certainly among those that will be addressed by that project.
But thanks for playing!
They just don't want to have to pay the SCO licensing fees on their desktops!!<nobr> <wbr></nobr>:-)
I don't think that "leaked" memo came from IBM.
Posted by: Francis Whittle on January 10, 2004 04:40 AMThe point is, that much of coporate IBM, being mostly made up of managers, probably would not surivive such a fast transition to Linux. I.e. It's not going to happen - at least not within less than a 5 year time scale.
It is true that IBM has put some thought into the Linux desktop, but nothing on that large a scale could happen in such a short timespace - face it, two years to shift that much data into a new format, and that many mostly clueless managers to a platform that requires actualk thought? Many of the technical people in IBM would jump at the chance, but it's just not that likely.
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