IDG AU: Linux Grabbing More US Federal Biz

Sep 25, 1999, 19:57 (0 Talkback[s])
(Other stories by IDG Staff)

"WASHINGTON Linux, the open-source operating system that for the past few years has been quietly gaining ground throughout the commercial world, has established a beachhead in the federal market and is poised to take over responsibility for some government mission-critical applications, according to industry and government experts..."

"The Linux kernel is composed of roughly 1.5 million lines of code that users can study and improve. Enhancements are distributed throughout the Linux community and subjected to a strict peer review process that examines the code changes for bugs and flaws..."

"Anthony Robbins, vice president of SGI's Federal Systems Area, said his company has been "amazed at the Linux revolution" that is now under way. SGI, which has made a corporate commitment to providing Linux on all of its Intel Corp.-based products, also plans to help spearhead the adoption of Linux throughout the Defense Department, particularly in the area of command and control, Robbins said. Through various common operating environment initiatives, "DOD attempted to make Unix vanilla," Robbins said. "Now, we believe Linux is in operational play in these areas. I think they have to take a hard look at Linux."

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• ComputerWorld: Linux Quietly Makes Its Way Into Federal Government(Sep 14, 1999)
• Federal Computer Week: Linux grabbing more federal biz(Sep 14, 1999)