"IBM is looking to lure customers with a bundle of Linux, virtualization and its Lotus collaboration software as an alternative to Microsoft desktop software during the recession.
"IBM joined forces with Virtual Bridges and Canonical Dec. 4 to offer a virtual desktop package comprises three software components that sit on one corporate server. The bundle, billed as "Microsoft free," is then provisioned to hundreds or even thousands of desktops.
"IBM Global Services is reselling the package for Virtual Bridges, which charges $49 per seat for a 1,000-seat deployment. Additional volume discounts are available via Virtual Bridges."
