IBM kicks Linux distribution up a notch
IBM kicks Linux distribution up a notch
December 16, 2005: IBM has announced that it is expanding its relationship with Novell [SUSE] and Red Hat by elevating them to the highest tier of the Strategic Alliance program. The move marks the biggest relationship shift between IBM and its Linux distribution partners since it embraced Linux six years ago, and is set to make open source hardware, software and services much easier to acquire through distribution channels.
The agreement will see IBM build a new team dedicated to Linux subscriptions from Novell and Red Hat. Novell plans to include Apache Geronimo in its next SUSE Linux Enterprise Server distribution to be delivered in 2006, and Red Hat will support IBM in its efforts to promote Apache Geronimo.
IT industry analysts IDC say that the Linux market is growing at 26% annually and is expected to reach US$35.7 billion by 2008. And according to the analyst group Gartner, IBM now ranks number one in overall Linux-based server revenue worldwide at 29.7%, jumping 32% year-to-year.
IBM’s elevation of Linux partnerships illustrates how the Linux market is gathering momentum.
"IBM made a big commitment to our customers and our open source strategy when we told the world we were making a substantial investment in Linux nearly six years ago. That included partnering with Red Hat and Novell," said Mark Elliott, general manager, Global Solution Sales, IBM Sales and Distribution. "Our customers responded with incredible enthusiasm and today IBM's Linux business is growing faster than the industry. And that growth is propelling Novell and Red Hat to the top tier of IBM's strategic alliance partners."
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