“IBM sees an opportunity–as it did with Unix in the
1980s–whereby it can be a leader and a driving force of new
applications in the evolving next-generation Internet ecosystem.
IBM does not want to be perceived as sitting on its hands and
letting other firms grab the initiative, as Sun Microsystems ended
up doing with Unix.“
“But the Linux movement is fraught with potential hazards if
companies such as IBM act too hastily. For example, the lack of
standards, frequent releases, and variety of Linux distributions on
Intel and various RISC implementations will increase the complexity
of support.”
“In addition, the earlier investment craze over Linux has died
out, and most Linux-only companies are struggling financially.
Without financial props for companies specializing in Linux
hardware and open-source software, asking Linux to take on a
pervasive role in enterprise architectures is that much more
risky.”