Interview: Bob Butler on why the world needs UnitedlLinux
June 2002
Recently, four of the leading distributors -- Caldera, Conectiva, SuSE and TurboLinux -- joined together in an effort to unify the various Linux distributions called UnitedLinux, and IBM has announced it's support for this new venture. Bob Butler is the IBM executive who, along with his channels team, has the critical job of managing IBM's relationship with these Linux distributors, Red Hat, and the newly formed UnitedLinux. We recently asked Bob to talk to us about the importance of UnitedLinux, and its impact on both Linux and IBM Linux relationships. Here's what he had to say.
Question: Why does the world need a UnitedLinux?
There are some major benefits to the simplicity derived from combining four major Linux distributor offerings into one. It gives our customers as well as Independent Hardware Vendors (IHV's) and Independent Software Vendors (ISV's) the ability to standardize on a single distribution. This means that developer talent can be focused on things that matter... like integration, security, increasing the size and functionality of the Linux application stack... as opposed to spending time on multi-distro maintenance, to manage the differences between one distributor and another. You might say that these former Linux competitors are now united by a vision of competing on value-added software and support, rather than competing on the operating system.
Question: Can Linux be truly unified without Red Hat supporting this consortium?
The key to Linux acceptance in corporate enterprises isn't really about unification, but more 'mundane' issues such as product security, scalability, reliability, and software availability... coupled with compelling value. Many consider Red Hat a defacto standard, and believe their Advanced Server offering provides significant value to the enterprise. Would the open community and customers benefit from Red Hat joining UnitedLinux? Perhaps. But one could equally argue that where there is no competition, complacency sets in.
The beauty of the open source paradigm is that the open community, by working together and sharing the best of their work, gives customers innovative software with security and reliability, and all those benefits are shared. I believe a strong UnitedLinux will benefit the entire community, including Red Hat, if it accelerates the adoption of key technologies. In any case, the true benefit is to our mutual customers, who, at the very least, now have the best of both worlds from which to choose.
Question: What will be IBM's distro strategy going forward?
What's important to IBM is supporting customers. We believe that customers' needs can be best served by working closely with both Red Hat and UnitedLinux. Customers will be able to choose the solution that best fits their platform, application, and language requirements. Market forces will reward innovation and customer service in the long run.
Question: How will IBM work with UnitedLinux?
UnitedLinux, in our view, means the game has shifted to be less about the distribution, and more about the distributor. IBM can now focus more on working with the right Linux companies to find the right "go to market" strategy. So partnering becomes less about the "bits and bytes" of the operating system, and more about "how can we succeed together by selling Linux-based solutions."
Question: What do you think the critical success factors are that will make or break Linux in the enterprise?
I think they are, in this order:
- Availability of key middleware - IBM has made great strides in this area;
- ISV acceptance and availability of key applications - and again, we have been very successful here with our ISV partnerships; and
- A growing awareness by customers that through Linux, with the help of IBM and our partners, there is available a truly elegant, highly secure, reliable operating system that will run on any server, any device, thereby offering our customers the ability to truly integrate their IT infrastructure.
Question: If Linux is starting to look more homogenous, why should customers buy Linux-based solutions from IBM? Why not just download the code from the Internet?
For the same reason that consumers will pay $2.00 for a pint of bottled water. It's all about having confidence in the product you buy. Is the hardware and software certified for the Linux solution you're implementing? If it breaks, do you know it will be fixed? Is your support available 24/7? Is it available worldwide? Can the solution be integrated with existing infrastructure? This is IBM's sweet spot.
At one time I swore I'd never buy bottled water. Now I do. And many customers are realizing that the real value of Linux is seen when they're willing to pay to unlock that value.
Question: Thanks for taking the time to talk to us.
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