ITinfo: IBM Supports Linux With New Motherboard

Site Directory
Membership
Train-the-Trainer
Trainer Certification
Certified Training Materials
ITinfo E-zine
Responsible Training
White Papers
Trainer Resources
What's New
Speaking Engagements
Onsite Training
ITrain Gear

Big Blue Linux

Big support means Linux is mainstream

ITinfo Sponsor

ERROR: Random File Unopenable

The random file, as specified in the $random_file perl variable was unopenable.

The file was not found on your file system. This means that it has either not been created or the path you have specified in $trrandom_file is incorrect.

IBM Supports Linux With New Motherboard

by Dave Murphy
ISSN 1535-3613

IBM's Microelectronics division is releasing a new motherboard design that's engineered to integrate the PowerPC microprocessor (CPU) and Linux, the upstart alternative operating system (OS) that Internet website hosts and technical hackers love. For example, I use Linux as a replacement for one of our office's Novell NetWare file servers and our website is served from one of our set of four Linux-based website hosting servers.

Linux, distributed through open-source development, involved millions of highly competent programmers who donate their personal time to make improvements to the OS. And some industry writers, including me, think that Linux is the one OS that has a credible chance of competing with Microsoft's Windows in the server and desktop marketplaces.

IBM's announcement that the motherboard design will be freely given to any hardware design firm is a very "Linux-like way" of releasing a new product design. Giving freely of time, talent, and treasures for the general welfare describes how Linux is developed, and IBM -- in this instance -- is following that altruistic calling.

Interestingly, IBM's motherboard is specifically designed to run the PowerPC CPU, which is currently used primarily by some top-line Macs from Apple Computer. By integrating the PowerPC chip and Linux, hardware designers other than Apple may be enticed to use the PowerPC chip in their system designs. IBM's free design could become a catalyst for a new market if specially-created Linux servers and workstations, using the PowerPC chip, but not made by Apple.

IBM will not charge license fees or royalties, nor will it manufacture its own motherboards based on the design. The company will provide schematics, component lists, and circuit board art to interested manufacturers.

IBM showed a prototype of the motherboards at LinuxWorld Conference and Expo this week in San Jose, and will also show them next week at HP World in San Francisco.

What do you think? Is IBM's new motherboard a sign of support for Linux from the big boys? Leave your comments on the Message Center.

P.S. Did you get in on the Red Hat IPO this week? For technical reasons, I love Red Hat Linux, and now I'm lovin' their stock, too.

IBM
Red Hat
Message Center

Previous issues are on our website at http://itrain.org/itinfo/.

International Association of Information Technology Trainers
PMB 616
6030-M Marshalee Dr
Elkridge, MD 21075-5987

410.567.5366
1.888.290.6200
fax: 801.650.0423
Membership Director: member@itrain.org

Return to ITrain Homepage

http://itrain.org/itinfo/1999/it990814.html
updated August 14, 1999