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Kill Bill, IBM vs Microsoft

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the game-is-on dept.

theodp writes "Though IBM did not invent Linux, does not distribute it and earns nary a penny on it, the computer giant is spending billions in a crusade to make Linux the world's most popular operating system. All told, more than 12,000 IBMers today devote at least part of their time to Linux. To hear IBMers tell it, all this effort is a matter of giving more choices to customers tired of the Microsoft monopoly. But according to Forbes, IBM has a broader agenda--undermining Bill Gates' company in the battle for a new $21 billion market for Web-linked software."

2 of 560 comments (clear)

  1. Why Slashdotters like IBM by bonch · · Score: 0, Troll

    It's really simple. IBM, having nowhere else to turn, decided to embrace Linux to spite Microsoft. All the Slashdotters think IBM is doing it out of the goodness of their hearts. Meanwhile, IBM basks in the publicity from a thousand geeks who blindly follow anything remotely pro-Linux--even if it's a company as evil as IBM (how easily people forget past actions...if you think Microsoft is bad...).

  2. A little confused... by midifarm · · Score: 0, Troll
    I'm a little confused in IBM's strategies. I've noticed that they advertise their dual Xeon servers and some Linux stuff as well. Why wouldn't they be pushing their own products? They have their Power4 and 5 processors. And why wouldn't they help Apple out? They definitely have a vested interest in the success of the G5 especially when in it comes to the server market. One of the largest clusters in the world is IBM powered. Why don't they advertise that? I would think they would have success with this approach. Maybe they're worried the Fishkill plant couldn't handle the demand? Any thoughts?

    Peace