INDUSTRY

SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- In a keynote speech today at LinuxWorld in San Francisco today, Doug Elix, senior vice-president and group executive of IBM Global Services, said the demand for Linux-related services is growing and predicted that open software, including Linux, would provide the foundation for computing resources to be delivered as utility-like services over the Internet. "Linux is helping customers transform their companies and fueling innovation in the new of era of e-business on demand," Elix told Linux World attendees. He cited IBM's recent introduction of Linux Virtual Services, which allows customers to tap into managed server capacity, without having to pay the upfront expense of buying the physical hardware, as an indication of Linux's crucial role in the emerging paradigm of utility computing. "With Linux Virtual Services, customers only pay for the processing, storage and network capacity they require, with potential savings ranging from 20% to 55% on typical workloads," said Elix. "This breakthrough computing service opens the door for companies to merge the advantages of using Linux with the benefits of accessing large-scale computing infrastructure on a pay-as-you-go basis. It sets the stage for a much broader introduction of Linux into the enterprise." IBM e-business on demand services reduce technology costs by enabling customers to access computing infrastructure, business processes and applications in a utility-like model over the Internet. According to Elix, IBM Global Services is dedicating more resources to Linux as the era of e-business on demand accelerates. "Within my own organization, we now have more than 2,000 employees with extensive experience on Linux, up from 300 last year, said Elix. "And we offer 50 Linux-related services for customers, twice the amount available last year." At Linux World, IBM Global Services will introduce new Linux e-learning courses that feature live online tutors and Web-based lab lectures to help students develop the critical Linux skills necessary for Linux technical certification. Launched in collaboration with e-learning hosting provider Computer Generated Solutions (CGS), IBM's new Linux training courses will enable students to take self-paced lecture classes and participate in online labs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. IBM also announced the appointment of a new executive to lead it's team of Linux consultants. Benoit Degreve will assume responsibility for the full range of IBM Linux Service activities including managed operations, hosting, training, infrastructure services and systems integrations. Degreve most recently served as IBM Global Services executive for Special Projects in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. IBM Global Services offers the industry's most comprehensive portfolio of Linux consultative and support offerings, from planning and design, to implementation and technical support. IBM consultants skilled in Linux are available worldwide to help customers design, build and enhance their Linux solutions.