| Linux Moves Into the Mainstream [ITWeb] |
Jul. 29, 2002
Alastair Otter examines the proliferation and acceptance of Linux in the 'mainstream in this 'special feature' at ITWeb . . .
"A couple of years ago, Linux was little more than a fledgling operating system. Its advocates predicted world domination and its critics unflinchingly honed in on its failings. Today it is a radically different picture. Linux has matured in the last few years, not only in kernel code but also in its breadth of applications. Instead of the catch-up game it played in past years, Linux is now taking up a role as a major innovative force and a leader in a new generation of connected computing."
"Linux also has the support of a number of industry heavyweights. Instead of only being the keen interest of a ragtag band of hackers, Linux now lists among its fans the likes of IBM, Oracle and Dell, with even Sun Microsystems dabbling in the Linux pool. The influence of the interest from these industry giants is becoming evident with a growing number of equally influential companies following their lead . . . "
" . . . What everyone agrees upon is that ongoing desktop development is good for the operating system. For some, such as Caldera's Richter, it is important that the desktop becomes a prominent feature of Linux as 'one of the reasons Microsoft is successful in the server room is because most households and offices have Microsoft on their desks'. De Wet adds that the Linux desktop will become important when "people realise that Linux is a good backplane and are ready to move to Linux desktops . . . "
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