IBM mainframe open to Linux

    Monday, May 22, 2000




    Follows local firms eOn, Synchronics

    By Mark Watson
    The Commercial Appeal

    IBM has officially announced the availability of Linux software and
    services for its mainframe computer, the S/390, which the company
    said is the first mainframe computer to be opened to Linux.

    In this way, Big Blue follows small local companies such as eOn
    Communications and Synchronics.

    Started at the University of Helsinki, Finland, Linux is an inexpensive
    form of the Unix operating system software. Considered better and
    more reliable than several commercial varieties of Unix, Linux has been
    "shareware" for most of its life. This means it can be downloaded over
    the Internet for free, but you must pay a registration fee to obtain
    service or documentation.

    John Patrick, IBM vice president for Internet technology, said in a
    telephone interview that several IBM mainframe computer owners
    have been running a prototype form of Linux on their computers since
    January. But last week's announcement formalizes that availability and
    describes commercial distribution channels, through SuSE and
    TurboLinux in partnership with IBM Global Services. Linux for the IBM
    S/390 also includes software that allows the use of other operating
    systems' applications with Linux-based systems.

    "We welcome IBM to join us," said David Lee, chairman and chief
    executive officer of Memphis's eOn Communications, which makes
    Linux-based communications servers. "Quite a few years ago, we
    chose Linux as a highly reliable platform. Even now, we are the only
    communications server maker that uses it."

    Patrick gave the following example of a problem IBM's embrace of Linux
    may resolve:

    "If you go to a hotel Web site, you can reserve a room. . . . You can go
    to another Web site and find out how many frequent-flyer points you
    have or find various special rates . . . But if you try to find a Web site
    where you can find rooms and pay for them with frequent-flyer points,
    you can't - at least I haven't found one."

    The reason is that old-style computer operating systems have not
    been opened up to "middleware" that helps those systems work with
    other applications based on newer operating systems, Patrick said.

    Memphis-based Synchronics makes a Linux-based inventory control
    product, CounterPoint, and a Windows NT-based E-commerce product,
    CounterPoint Online.

    Synchronics spokesman Lori Bond said her company does not expect
    the IBM announcement to affect her company directly, but the
    expanded use of Linux should ensure this platform remains usable
    long term because it will become the basis for more useful applications.

    Patrick predicted IBM's endorsement of Linux will be "very good" for all
    Linux users and developers.

    "This is probably the most significant information technology vendor
    commitment of any kind to Linux," he said. "It's not going to replace
    anything overnight. . . . We're embracing it and helping it become as
    robust as possible as fast as possible."