IBM Promotes Linux Partners to Highest Tier

Anonymous Anonmenon writes "Big Blue was at it again today after it promoted the two leading commercial Linux distributions to the highest level tier of its Strategic Alliance Program. From the article: '[The Strategic Alliance Program] is designed to allow independent software vendors (ISV) work through one point of contact within IBM as opposed to navigating through several relationships with representatives from different divisions. The move was billed by executives from all companies as a means to make it simpler for clients to acquire open standards-based Linux hardware, software, and services through integrated sales, distribution and services channels.' The announcement was also heavy on the Java side, with both Red Hat and Novell pledging a 'reinforced commitment' to the Java developer community and J2EE."

Comments

Re:Fantastic

[The Bungi]

To stick it to Sun. Or do you think the name "Eclipse" is a coincidence? In any case, US$10M (or whatever) is a drop in the bucket for IBM. It's two weeks of wacky ads on national TV. Four weeks of stationary expenses in Armonk.

In any case, I'm not contesting what they have already done or trying to diminish it. On the contrary. I'm pointing out that it's a litle disingenious to hype "Linux" (which I suppose is what they conceptualize as "open source") so much but still operate essentially the same way - as a commercial software vendor. And not a very nice one at that. Ever seen a UDB enterprise site license/support contract? I'm not kidding when I say "draconian licensing" at all.

Novell is no different in this regard.