Motorola Unveils Unified Linux Strategy

Motorola Computer Group (MCG), a division of Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT), announced major moves into the Linux business market this week at LinuxWorld in San Jose, detailing strategic partnerships with divisions of Caldera, Inc.

The Tempe, Arizona-based provider of embedded computing technology disclosed what it calls a Unified Linux Strategy, “that will provide its OEM (original equipment manufacturer) customers with a broad selection of Linux-based platforms, open source software, service and support, training, and integration services,” said a Motorola company statement. As part of its first Linux-based offerings, MCG will introduce the emS Series for telecommunications,office and industrial networking applications. Additionally, a featured product of the newly announced strategy is the SLX Series network appliance, aimed at Internet, intranet and extranet networking applications.

MCG is “excited” about Linux, said a company statement. “We look forward to the benefits of open-source software, the ability to work with Linux and to share source code with that community, our partners and customers.”

Collaborating With Caldera on Servers

A significant component of MCG’s initiative involves collaboration with 2 of Caldera’s major divisions: Lineo, Inc., a Linux-based embedded software solutions company; and Caldera Systems, a provider of Linux software solutions for business applications. Lineo is developing Embedix, a customized version of the Caldera Systems OpenLinux package.

“Businesses around the world are becoming increasingly dependent on networking technologies, as electronic commerce plays a greater role in the global economy,” said the company. “The systems they require must be flexible, affordable and expandable to meet their growing business needs.”

With this in mind, MCG has worked with its telecommunications and Internet-centric customers to create embedded platforms for server applications that have been integrated with the powerful and cost-effective Linux operating system (OS). The emS-ATXI — MCG’s first product from a new Linux emS Series of Intel x86 embedded server platforms used for e-mail, file systems, application development tools and workstation connectivity — enables OEMs to deliver cost-effective systems designed to meet end-user specifications.

Linux for Applications

MCG is also introducing its SLX Series of Linux-based embedded platforms for Internet networking applications including Web access, Web caching, Web security and virtual private networks (VPNs). “The rapid growth of electronic commerce and World Wide Web usage is not only transforming the telecommunications industry, but has created an explosive demand for connectivity for Internet applications,” said Wayne Sennett, corporate vice president and general manager for MCG.

“One of the dynamic components fueling this growth consists of small businesses and other enterprises that are leveraging the Internet to reach customers who were previously inaccessible,” added Sennett.

About the New Strategy

Unlike many of the other larger computer companies that have given Linux a vote of confidence — which include Dell, HP, IBM, Intel and Oracle — MCG is moving on the embedded devices market, bringing to it the power of cost-effective benefits of open-source, and cutting a unique presence in the consumer market. Palm Pilots are just one example of the type of appliance that will be impacted by the move, which could in turn eventually increase e-commerce sales of many different computer products.