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ZDNet: Linux: Do you believe IBM?

“A couple of months back, I asked open-source backers if they
were afraid of Linux becoming less of a grassroots initiative, and
more one controlled by the big industry powers. After this week’s
LinuxWorld Conference and Expo in New York, which kicked off with
keynotes from IBM and Intel, I’d like to ask again.”

“But this time, I’d add an additional twist to my query. Are you
open-source developers afraid of the growing influence that IBM,
Intel, Hewlett Packard and other established companies are having
over open source? And, secondly, do you believe the corporate
powers’ rhetoric, when it comes to the reasons that they love this
alternative operating system that they don’t own and can’t
stop?”

“IBM and Intel officials took great pains to explain why
their respective corporations have become so bullish about Linux.
… I’d suggest one more: IBM and the other corporate powers are
happy finally to have an alternative to Microsoft Windows. Don’t
underestimate the weight that the good, old ABM (anything but
Microsoft) mentality plays in vendor and customer
decisions.”

Complete
Story

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