“The Linux open-source operating system so far is a nonstarter
in the command and control market, although it has reached the
commercial big leagues through its adoption by several major
hardware vendors, including Compaq Computer Corp., Dell Computer
Corp., Hewlett-Packard Co., Intel Corp., IBM Corp. and SGI.”
“But Linux does not meet the Defense Information
Infrastructure’s Common Operating Environment Kernel Platform
Compliance requirements for a Posix-compliant application
programming interface, Posix-compliant commands and utilities, the
Motif X Window System interface, the Common Desktop Environment and
Network File System sockets.”
“Proponents want to keep the Linux core open by posting
source code online and letting anyone have a crack at modifying it,
which could represent a security compromise for military systems
for command, control, communications, computers and
intelligence.“
“Drew Streib, a technical marketing executive at VA Linux
Systems Inc. of Sunnyvale, Calif., said he sees two ways for
Defense Department organizations to use Linux.”