“All of the talk about the recently released Linux 2.4 kernel
centers on the improvements that will make Linux a better operating
system for the enterprise. I have not yet subjected the 2.4 kernel
to intensive server testing. But I do have a lot of confidence in
the 2.4 kernel for enterprise use, if for no other reason than
because IBM and Oracle have already loudly endorsed it.”
“Those are not hollow endorsements made solely for the purpose
of promoting Linux. I’ve spoken to IBM, Oracle, and other major
software companies about what they want from Linux. And I can say
with confidence that the 2.4 kernel has satisfied a good portion of
their wants and needs, though there is definitely more work to be
done. But 2.4 has made very significant strides, and the kernel
developers are busily filling the remaining gaps.”
“As for my personal experience, 2.4 doesn’t deliver what
Linux needs in order to become the default desktop OS of tomorrow.
Let me qualify that statement a bit, lest you get the mistaken
impression that my complaint is with the kernel itself. It is not.
But before I can properly place the blame, I need to explain what
it is that the kernel lacks.“