Intel Counsels Desktop Linux Movement

Everyone knows Intel wants to sell processors but the question is does it really care what operating system is running on the chip? The answer is apparently yes. It's taken notice of the effect Linux is having in the IT market and it's reacting. For example, Linux has continued to grow as governments worldwide invest in Open Source software. These users want an end to proprietary lock-in (think Windows desktop upgrade cycle), to keep IT dollars local (OSS installed by local firms), and to reduce costs. According to a 2004 IDC study Linux is expected to be in use on approximately 17 million PCs by 2008 worth $10 billion in PC sales.

Intel has also taken note of ISVs like MySQL AB and JBoss, which have created new business models based on revenues from services and related tools. Intel is also looking to China were dollars spent by IT users could be allocated to hardware in lieu of proprietary operating systems like Windows.

An initiative announced by Intel in January heralded five new Intel platforms including Mobility, Digital Home, Digital Enterprise, Digital Health Care, and Channel Products. The announcement indicates that the new Intel will stop focusing on silicon and chip speeds and start focusing on platforms on which to build solutions including Linux. At Novell's BrainShare in March Intel marketing manager Matt Semenza offered a presentation called "Intel and the Linux Desktop" saying that Intel is working to ensure that Linux and Open Source software solutions perform optimally on Intel platforms.

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