[ Thanks to Mike
Rasmusson for this link. ]
“If IBM likes it, then it must be all right. That, at least, is
what supporters of Linux, an operating system for computers, are
hoping. Unlike Microsoft Windows, Linux holds no secrets for
programmers. Its source codes can be read like an open book, which
makes them easy to adapt to individual needs and cheaper to buy.
After years in the doldrums as Microsoft forged ahead in market
after market, Linux is making a comeback–and in an unexpected
market.“Thanks to its stability as an operating system and the fact
that it can be made secure, Linux is fast catching on among
retailers. This week, IBM annnounced deals with two big
retailers–Regal Entertainment, which owns scores of movie theatres
in America, and Casas Bahia, a big Brazilian retailer—to
supply thousands of cash registers that will run on Linux.“These sales followed earlier agreements with IBM and Sun
Microsystems, two of the world’s largest computer manufacturers,
that will not only boost Linux’s popularity but will also give
computer users more choice. IBM has agreed to use Linux software on
its servers. The agreement is with Red Hat, an independent supplier
of Linux software which it bundles with other products and
services. IBM had earlier used Red Hat’s software on only one of
its range of servers; now all four will be covered. Since IBM will
profit from servicing the software, this could open up important
new markets for Linux…”