Big Blue extends Linux support

IBM this week extended its Linux support programme to take in other distributions of the open source OS than the two the plan original covered. And next week the company will release its first low-cost Netfinity server specifically designed to run Linux. The support announcement goes some way to put IBM back on track to deliver its promise, made earlier this year, to support all the major Linux distributions. So, in addition to providing help for Caldera OpenLinux and Red Hat Linux, as announced late last month, Big Blue will now also support TurboLinux and SuSE's releases of the OS. Meanwhile, IBM is set to take off the wraps on the Netfinity 3500 M10 next week, according to reports on US newswires. The server is set to ship in September for $1800, and will be supplied with any of the major Linux distributions pre-installed according to customer choice. IBM has supplied extra software to ensure the OS offers full RAID support on the Netfinity. The server will bundle 90 days' free support for whichever Linux distribution the customer selects. ®