"International Business Machines Corp... joined with three venture capital firms to boost sales of products that run on the Linux operating system.
"The three firms, 3i Group Plc, Mayfield Fund and Worldview Technology Partners, finance companies that develop technology based on Linux, which is distributed free over the Internet as an alternative to Microsoft Corp.'s Windows system. IBM said it will get new Linux technologies, and the venture capital firms will gain access to IBM's worldwide testing and sales network.
"IBM and other technology companies are supporting Linux to reduce dependence on Windows. Fledgling Linux companies are forming alliances to try and kick-start sales slowed by the economic slump. The alliance, called the Telecom Venture Coalition, doesn't involve cash payments by either side..."
