[ Thanks to Paul
Eggert for this link. ]
“Only a year ago many analysts expected there would be dozens of
similar companies, all closing in on sizable profits by providing
Linux products or services. Instead, VA Linux is one of only four
Linux companies that had initial public stock offerings before the
technology slump this spring, and all four are trading at fractions
of their giddy highs.”
“The brightest spot in the industry so far has been VA Linux,
which bundles Linux software and support with hardware it sells to
such customers as Akamai and EToys. Those companies prefer Linux
systems because they are less expensive, more stable and adaptable
than those running Microsoft, and work more easily with other
programs.”
“For the Linux start-ups, this growing acceptance is a
double-edged sword. For Linux to move into the mainstream of
corporate America, it needs the support of the large organizations
such as IBM and Compaq. But if a customer can buy the same hardware
or services from an established computer maker, why take a risk on
a Linux company in its infancy?“