IBM Plans $1 Billion Push for Linux in the Cloud

IBM plans to invest $1 billion in new Linux and open source technologies for its Power Systems servers.

Under the plan, IBM is opening a new client center in Montpellier, France for Linux developers.  IBM also plans to launch a Linux on Power development cloud, focus on rapidly expanding its ecosystem supporting Linux on Power Systems.

Specific details of both initiatives include:

The new Montpellier center is among a growing network of centers around the world  where software developers  can build and deploy new applications for big data, cloud, mobile and social business computing on open technology building blocks using Linux and the latest IBM POWER7+ processor technology.  The first center opened in Beijing in May. Additional centers are located in New York, NY, and Austin, Texas.

The Linux on Power development cloud is aimed at developers interested in running Linux on Power Systems. The no-charge cloud service is ramping up its infrastructure to provide more businesses the ability to prototype, build, port, and test Linux applications on the Power platform as well as applications built for AIX and IBM.

Jim Zemlin, Executive Director of the Linux Foundation commented on the investment stating, "The last time IBM committed $1B to Linux, it helped start a flurry of innovation that has never slowed. IBM's continued investments in Linux for Power Systems is welcomed by the Linux community.  We look forward to seeing how the Power platform can bring about further innovation on Linux, and how companies and developers can work together to get the most out of this open architecture."

http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/41926.wss