Compaq and SuSE Push Linux E-Commerce Solutions

This week, Compaq Computer Corp. and SuSE Holding AG issued several announcements that could solidify the burgeoning partnership of Linux-based corporate solutions and the world of e-commerce.

Compaq plans to certify their server and workstations through the SuSE Linux distribution package. The computer manufacturer, which has been working with the Linux operating system (OS) for five years, has previously announced support for Linux on its AlphaServers, ProLiant servers and Professional Workstations, and is moving to solidify investment in the open-source movement.

Working Together On Technical and Marketing Issues

In addition to new Linux-ready Alpha platforms, the two companies also announced the availability of increased compatibility between UNIX and Linux implementations with the release of SuSE’s Linux distribution 6.1 AXP.

The new release will push enhanced interoperability and compatibility features between Compaq Tru64 UNIX and SuSE Linux. The goal is to give users of both platforms – including e-commerce professionals — access to a broader portfolio of available applications.

Tom Yeates, business development director, Enterprise Solutions and Services Group, Compaq Europe, Middle East and Africa, stated that the announcements with SuSE reinforces Compaq’s “commitment to provide (e-commerce) solutions that are flexible, cost-effective and easy to implement.”

IDC Sees Increase In Organizational Linux Usage

The efforts of Compaq and other industry titans to join in what has predictably been called “the Linux revolution” are being measured. According to a recent study released by International Data Corp. (IDC), companies are embracing the Linux operating system (OS) at an ever-increasing pace.

Of the respondents polled, 13% currently use Linux within their organization. This increase represents a striking two-year spike over a similar study in 1997, when IDC found that Linux was “used by such a statistically small percentage of survey respondents” that a report could not be issued.

“This is an amazing level of growth,” commented Dan Kusnetzky, program director for IDC’s Operating Environments and Serverware research programs. “Linux is emerging as a potential competitor to Windows and Unix for some server applications.”

Slow Projected Adoption of Windows 2000

“Respondents in the study also said they have no plans to immediately roll out the Windows 2000 operating system,” said an IDC statement. “Organizations of all types and sizes indicated they plan to wait anywhere from 6 to 18 months before beginning wide-scale implementation of the new Microsoft enterprise operating system.”

“Technical stabilization,” according to IDC, was the primary reason cited by survey respondents — over 50% — as the primary reason for delaying the adoption of Windows 2000. “Past issues with first-release operating systems from Microsoft have caused organizations to rein in their Windows 2000 deployment plans,” stated William Peterson, research manager for IDC’s Client Infrastructure Software programs.”

IDC is a division of International Data Group, specializing in IT media research.