IBM, Open Source Companies Team on 'Microsoft Free' Desktop Solutions

The move is said to come as a result of shifting market forces and a growing demand for economical alternatives to expensive Windows and Office-based computers. The four companies think the time is ideal for Linux-based desktops to proliferate over the course of the coming year. Linux appears to be more profitable for PC vendors and the operating system tends to be better equipped to work with lower cost hardware than the latest Microsoft technology.

 

"The slow adoption of Vista among businesses and budget-conscious CIOs, coupled with the proven success of a new type of Microsoft-free PC in every region, provides an extraordinary window of opportunity for Linux," said Kevin Cavanaugh, vice president of IBM’s Lotus Software division, in a statement. "We’ll work to unlock the desktop to save our customers money and give freedom of choice by offering this industry-leading solution."

 

The four companies will work with local business partners in global markets to build and distribute pre-loaded PCs that offer IBM’s Open Collaboration Client Solution (OCCS) inclusive of Lotus Notes, Lotus Symphony and Lotus Sametime; the Linux operating system from each distributor; and software applications and installation services from the local partners of each market.

 

The final product is to be branded by the local IT firms bringing it to market. Customers, independent software vendors (ISVs), and systems integrators can opt to develop applications with Lotus Expeditor based on the open source Eclipse programming model.

 

These solutions are customized for customers in specific industries and sectors. For example, government buyers can purchase a solution supporting key ISV applications for document/case management, crisis management, and citizen services. Banks can access support for virtual thin clients bringing together the infrastructure and applications with Lotus social software to meet the needs of branch bank front offices and contact center transformations. Schools can use an application that gives students and faculty a low cost open platform to capitalize on the Lotus collaboration and social software.

 

"IBM software and Linux on desktop combined is not just a better price/performance substitute for the Microsoft offering, but it provides a new platform for customers and business partners to add true value by creating tailor-made solutions," said Milan Prohaska, General Manager of Austria-based VDEL, in a statement.  "The combined power of Eclipse and Lotus -- offered in a stable and secure Linux environment at less then half the cost of the equivalent Microsoft offering -- will create a new ecosystem for solution providers and developers, and set new standards in value-for-the-money for the customers."