[NTLUG:Discuss] Speculations about fallout for Linux with the IBM sale?

[Peter A. Koren]

On Thu, 2004-12-09 at 10:54, Chris Cox wrote:
> lonny.dahl at verizon.com wrote:
> > 
> > Anyone have any ideas about what may happen to support for Linux now that
> > Big Blue is selling their desktop division to a Chinese company?  I know
> > China has their own distro of Linux, but has anyone heard if they'll
> > continue to offer desktop solutions with Linux or will they drink the M$
> > Koolaid?
> 
> IBM has an probably will be (for a long time) a big koolaid drinker.
> IMHO, IBM's support for Linux on the desktop was dismal... so it
> can only get better.  Feel free to correct me if you feel I'm
> off on this assessment.

Look at:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/12/07/ibm_pc_sell_off_power/

Intel's trip-up on 64 bits -- Itanium = Itanic = Titanic -- leaves IBM
in a position to make their Power architecture and chips competitors in
the  wider semiconductor market as the marketplace transitions to 64
bits. Linux, which already is 64 bit ready and runs on all popular
architectures, is a big plus for IBM if IBM goes after that market. So
IBM may be making war on Intel with Microsoft being collateral damage if
IBM can execute. That is a big if. Linux can benefit to the degree that
Microsoft is hurt. Can the IBM elephant tap dance?

-- Pete