CRN: Gaining Ground: Number Of Top Developers Shipping Desktop-Based Applications

"Linux could be on the path to greater popularity now that a number of top developers are shipping or plan to deliver Linux-based desktop applications."

"To gain steam, Linux "desperately needs applications," said Howard Diamond, chief executive of Corporate Soft- ware & Technology, a Norwood, Mass.-based VAR."

"Vendors are listening."

"Corel Corp., Ottawa, is shipping WordPerfect 8 for Linux and plans to port its WordPerfect Office suite to Linux by year end. Corel also is working on an "invisible" Linux operating system and user-friendly interface."

"We plan to simplify Linux by creating an easily accessible desktop environment," said Corel President and Chief Executive Michael Cowpland during a LinuxWorld keynote earlier this month. "The difficult-to-use reputation of Linux will be left behind."

"Meanwhile, Lotus Development Corp., Cambridge, Mass., promised to provide a Linux version of Domino by the end of 1999 and may port its SmartSuite office bundle to Linux."

"Adobe Systems Inc., which used to offer Unix versions of PhotoShop, also is taking a serious look at Linux, said Chuck Geschke and John Warnock, co-chairmen of the San Jose, Calif.-based developer."

"Carl Bass, vice president and chief technology officer of Autodesk Inc., San Rafael, Calif., said he cannot understand why the industry is excited over technology that is 25 years old. Autodesk has no plans to port to Linux, he added."

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