“IBM Corp.’s Microelectronics Division is stepping up its
efforts to grab a significant portion of network computing
applications with its PowerPC processors running Linux…”
“…IBM Microelectronics’ recently formed Pervasive Computing
Segment plans to demonstrate a number of PowerPC-based solutions
for Linux thin servers, including one platform reference design
based on a 450-MHz processor made with copper interconnects. IBM
has actively been pursuing its own Linux-based server applications
but now the company’s semiconductor division is attempting to help
other systems manufacturers introduce their own solutions using the
PowerPC RISC processors, custom logic devices and the open
operating system”
” ‘We have been working with LinuxPPC Inc., which sells a
version of Linux for PowerPC-based Apple machines as a generic
platform, and another software supplier Yellow Dog [of Terra Soft
Solutions Inc.] has been working with our server divisions,’ said
John Lowry, marketing manager for the pervasive computing platforms
at IBM Microelectronics. ‘We will eventually be working with them
[Yellow Dog], but we are distributor neutral.’ “
“The Linux initiative is expected to play a key role in IBM
Microelectronics’ efforts to develop new types of computing
applications for home and office markets. The Pervasive Computing
segment was launched after John Kelly took over IBM
Microelectronics as general manager earlier this year.”