Finding Linux Bugs Before they Become Exploits, Jul 28, 2009

Novell has introduced a programme to help software companies develop and sell appliances running Suse Linux. The Suse Appliance Program is designed to help independent software providers package and distribute their software on Suse Linux.

Big companies are increasing how much they spend on putting Linux software on mainframes, according to a global study.

Even though the netbook market is one of the few bright spots in the PC market and also even the mobile computing sector, its rapid growth will not necessarily ensure the development of Linux in the mobile arena despite most netbooks offering Linux as the entry level choice of operating system.

From the introduction of the internet through the dot.com crash, this article reviews the defining moments in web history. A significant portion are related to open source software.

Mobile specialist Always Innovating has developed a $299 ARM processor-powered magnetic tablet computer running Linux, which the company says can be stuck on the front of a fridge.

The UK government is getting serious about using open source as a building block in systems development. Yesterday its top IT policy-making body, the CIO Council, published a 10 point action plan that frees central and local government departments to use open source systems where possible.

New US airline Virgin America has migrated to Red Hat Linux to host its website.

Gartner is urging businesses to put pressure on Microsoft to provide “commercially reasonable” support for all enterprise licensees running virtual machines (VMs), not just Premier subscribers.

ISP Host Europe, which supports firms in Austria, Germany and Switzerland, is using systems from Red Hat.

Kingfisher Group has migrated its 240 Castorama and Brico Dépôt stores on the continent to Red Hat Enterprise Linux with Oracle databases.

Around 25% of enterprises will be running mission-critical business application on Linux platforms by 2009.

Red Hat users should carry out compatibility tests of Oracle’s Linux set-up because it offers a “more complete” support package, analyst firm Gartner has urged.

Citrix says it has no interest in delivering native Linux support in its products, and that it will continue to rely on the Windows platform.

Developers are being urged to join the new Linux Standard Base (LSB) Developer Network, a developers’ website designed to rival the Microsoft Developers Network (MSDN).

The next version of Windows Server – codenamed Longhorn – will include virtualisation technology that is interoperable with the open source Linux operating system.

Kent Police has cut the cost of running its major criminal investigations system by 90% using Novell Open Enterprise Server, the company's version of SuSE Linux.

Motoring organisation the AA is to implement an identity and access management solution running on Novell's SuSE Linux to automate the management of digital identities for around 6,000 staff.

Novell has unveiled a SUSE Linux Enterprise training course contained on a portable USB drive, which it says is an industry first.

Mono is an initiative to develop an open source version of Microsoft .net that can be used to develop applications for Unix, Linux and other platforms, including Windows. The intention is that, for example, ASP.net applications could be developed.

Another turbulent period of change is facing organisations over the next two years. Desktop roll-outs are one of the biggest and costliest headaches for any enterprise, and the prospect of another version of Windows is daunting.