Linux is an operating system for which the source code is available free without restrictions on use or requiring royalties. It can save organizations significant amount of dollars compared to the use of proprietary, licensed operating systems. Highly regarded for its speed, reliability and security, Linux continues to evolve through contributed efforts from developers worldwide and is being used in all industries.
Linux is one of the world's fastest-growing operating system. IBM is a strong supporter of Linux as a way to promote open standards. Open standards allow the interoperability of various applications, technologies, and computer devices, providing customers with a wider choice and flexiblity to deploy applications. Because of this, Linux is a key play in IBM's on demand strategy because it can provide enterprises with a flexible computing environment that can change with their needs.
Linus Torvalds created Linux in 1991, in Helsinki, Finland, when he was a graduate student. He wrote the first kernel, which is the core part of the operating system that provides basic services for all other parts of the operating system. Torvalds posted his code on the Internet and invited developers from around the world to improve it. He provided the source code, free of charge, with the provision that developers share their work. Developers enthusiastically accepted Torvald's invitation. |
