"The wealthy brokerage houses and financial companies in the heart of Manhattan can buy just about any IT hardware and software they want, so why is Linux gaining users and drawing interest?
"Here at the Linux on Wall Street Show and Conference yesterday, the answers centered on the open-source operating system's adaptability, security, reliability and potential in allowing IT departments to customize it to fit their needs.
"The show was small by recent IT standards, but it was designed as a comfortable place for Wall Street executives to get a close-up look at the Linux phenomenon. IBM was here, as were SuSE Linux AG, Hewlett-Packard Co., Computer Associates International Inc. and Reuters Market Data System, all showing off some of their Linux technologies to users and potential users.
"Interestingly, in a sign that Linux is becoming more mainstream, there wasn't really any Linux news announced at the show..."
