It looks like Intel is finally getting around to giving back to the open
source community in a major way. In the last two years, Intel has
reportedly saved itself more than $200,000* by deploying Linux solutions
among its corporate IT resources.
Intel is now working with Red Hat, Novell, and Red Flag (a Chinese Linux
solution provider) to ensure fully compatible, native Intel hardware
support**, not only for existing hardware but for emerging technologies
as well. Included in the new Linux support policies of Intel is the
distribution of a Linux-platform "quick start kit" similar to the
Windows-platform utility and driver CDs Intel has already been
distributing with new motherboards for several years now.
This Linux support strategy is mostly motivated by increasing interest
in East Asian countries in using Linux rather than Windows systems for
everything from official governmental and corporate deployments to
end-user desktops. This Intel policy shift, and the motivating interest
from Asia, casts further doubt on the (mostly discounted as biased and
unreliable) claims that 40% of pre-installed Linux systems bought in
"emerging markets" will actually have a pirated copy of Windows
installed on them***. Aside from the obvious absurdities of such a
claim that involve questions like "Why wouldn't you just buy a computer
with no OS at all, if that's what you were going to do?" there are
increasing indications that a desire for Linux use, as opposed to simply
Linux systems, is on the rise.
Anyway, I thought youse guys might be interested in some recent news and
cogitation that has been floating around in my head in regards to the
Linux market.
*: http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=1428
**: http://www.arn.idg.com.au/index.php/id;1718218177;fp;16;fpid;0
***:
http://news.com.com/Desktop+Linux+a+vehicle+for+pirating+Windows/2100-1016_3-5388863.html
-- Chad ----------------------------------------------------------------------- This list is provided as an unmoderated internet service by Networked Knowledge Systems (NKS). Views and opinions expressed in messages posted are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of NKS or any of its employees.
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