IBM Throwing $1bn Into Linux And Open Source

Tech giant IBM announced today it is investing $1 billion (£629 million) into Linux development and open source software as it looks to bolster its Power Systems servers.

As part of this drive, Big Blue has founded a new Power Systems Linux Center in Montpellier, France. The first such centre was set up in Beijing in May.

IBM going big on Linux

IBM has also further opened up its free Power Systems cloud service, which lets organisations test applications on the platform.

“Many companies are struggling to manage big data and cloud computing using commodity servers based on decades-old, PC era technology. These servers are quickly overrun by data which triggers the purchase of more servers, creating un-sustainable server sprawl,” said IBM Fellow and Vice President of Power Development Brad McCredie.

“The era of big data calls for a new approach to IT systems; one that is open, customizable, and designed from the ground up to handle big data and cloud workloads.”

Jim Zemlin, executive director of the Linux Foundation, added: “The last time IBM committed $1 billion to Linux, it helped start a flurry of innovation that has never slowed.”

IBM continues to spend its money on research and development. In April, it said it would spend $1 billion on research into flash storage technology.

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