10 Years of IBM Linux: Embracing Customer Choice

"Q&A with IBM's Jonathan Prial Involved with Linux since IBM's initial entry into the space more than 10 years ago, Jonathan Prial is now vice president of enablement for sales teams at IBM. Here, he talks with The Linux Executive Report from IBM about IBM's early presence in the Linux market, how he sees Linux use evolving, and why it's important to be a student for life in the world of technology.

"Linux Executive Report: What is the scope of your responsibility at IBM in your position as vice president of enablement?

"Prial: I manage a small team and extended teams across the geographies and our software brands that focus on the training and skills of our software group sales force of over 15,000 professionals. We focus on their selling skills, their product and solution skills as well as their industry skills, and Linux is obviously part of that mainstream activity across the company.

"Linux Executive Report: How did you first become involved with Linux and what was your role at that time?

"Prial: In 1997, I was responsible for the marketing of IBM software on Windows NT. At that time, I was given the mission to work across software groups and build a marketing plan for our presence on Windows NT. We were working with all of the Software brands to showcase the kind of capabilities we delivered on Windows NT. It was a very close parallel to what we did later with Linux."

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