ZDNet Tech Update's Rich Castagna notes that everything seems to be going right for Linux in the server arena. When Linux made its first impact on the IT scene, it did so largely as a protest—a protest against expensive server software and hardware, against platforms bloated with features that few used, and, of course, against Microsoft. The anti-Microsoft undercurrent still flows strongly, perhaps even stronger today in the wake of the DOJ antitrust proceedings. But now, Linux has found its legs not for something it isn't, but for what it is.
“For IBM, Linux could be the figurative stone that kills two birds, although certainly not two birds of a feather. Inexpensive and highly configurable, Linux gives IBM an OS that runs on a variety of hardware platforms, including the inexpensive Intel-based systems that typically host Windows servers. At the same time, adding Linux to its extensive OS repertoire gives IBM yet another alternative for perspective Sun Solaris buyers. With both Microsoft and Sun in its sights, tossing a billion bucks at an open source OS seems like a pretty good idea.