Applix Creates New Linux Division

Applix, Inc. (Nasdaq: APLX) has announced the creation of a new Linux division to source and brand applications for the increasingly popular open-source operating system (OS).

Westboro, Massachusetts-based Applix has also renewed its vow to push acceptance of the OS by announcing a new Web site intended to be a collaboration system addressing the needs of both customers and developers. The site, which is set to be launched July 15th, will provide “an online base for users to search for information associated with Linux and open-source software vendors.”

In addition, Applix says that it will continue to aggressively market its Linux-based business solutions. “We believe that a significant market opportunity exists for global Linux,” commented Jit Saxena, Chairman and CEO of Applix, “and our goal is to become a brand leader.”

“As a separate business unit, the Linux Division will have a clearly defined business strategy, and the necessary resources to achieve this significant growth opportunity in the Linux market. Furthermore,” Saxena continued, “the Linux Division will be better positioned to seek additional investment capital to finance its development.”

Offering development, marketing and support for Internet-centric front office business solutions, Applix features the Enterprise Solutions Platform (ESP) — available on various environments including Linux — as a star of its catalog.

Linux-Mandrake

Macmillan Computer Publishing USA has released its own line of Linux-based products which feature Linux-Mandrake, an enhanced version of the Red Hat package.

“The Complete Linux Operating System 6,” will be joined by the Deluxe — which features the Star Office 5.1 productivity suite — and the Secure Server Editions in forming a family of open-source OS packages offered by Macmillan, “the world’s largest computer book publisher.”

“These three products are part of our strategy to make Linux mainstream and maintain our position as the leading provider of all things Linux,” said Doug Bennett, President of Macmillan Computer Publishing USA. The Secure Server Edition, which costs approximately $80 (US$), features an Apache secure web server, and 128-bit Advanced Cryptography by RSA.

Macmillan is reportedly the third largest OS publisher after Apple and Microsoft. The company also features several Linux-related books, including “Sam’s Teach Yourself Linux Programming in 24 Hours,” and the forthcoming titles “Linux Unleashed” and “Peter Norton’s Complete Guide To Linux.” The popular computer games “Quake,” “Quake II,” and “Civilization: Call to Power” will additionally be made available for Linux users through Macmillan.

IDC Linux Forecast

According to International Data Corp. (IDC) projections, commercial Linux shipments will increase 25% per year through 2003, compared with a 10% rate for all other client-operating environments. Many industry analysts — including IDC — are speculating that server-side endeavors will be an area of dramatic growth and importance, as well.

“It is clear that Linux has a strong future as a server operating environment,” stated Dan Kusnetzky, Program Director for IDC’s Operating Environments research programs. “Its ability to support Web-based applications is well proven.”