“The inclusion of open-standard operating systems and Java
tools in thin servers has made it easier for VARs to “develop
broader applications that can hook on to Internet appliances,”
said Armando Garcia, president of Arcom Electronics Inc., a San
Jose-based VAR.”
“Extended Systems’ ExtendNet and Cobalt Networks Inc.’s Qube 2
appliances, among others, run on Linux. “It’s a reliable operating
system backed by a large development community,” said Steve Wood,
Extended Systems’ R&D manager. “It allows for timely complex
development solutions.”
“Linux’s success in the small- to midsize-business market has
made customers very amenable to buying Internet appliances running
it. “Linux is great for the lower-end marketplace because it’s
available, flexible and cheap,” Garcia said.”