IBM takes on Microsoft

IBM and Canonical are taking on Microsoft's dominance with the introduction of a low-cost desktop applications package for netbooks and thin client devices.

According to IBM, the decision is aimed at overtaking the popularity of traditional PCs and proprietary software solutions, which are dominated by Microsoft.

IBM and Canonical, an open source software company founded by Mark Shuttleworth, will offer the cloud- and premise-based Linux netbook software package. While IBM says the price varies, depending on configuration and support requirements, it estimates its software bundle will offer a 50% saving per seat compared to a Microsoft-based desktop.

Part of IBM's Smart Work Initiative, the software package includes open standards-based e-mail, word processing, spreadsheets, unified communication, social networking and other software for any laptop, netbook, or a variety of mobile devices.

“The goal, when we try to catalyse innovation in emerging markets, is never to catch up with what's happened elsewhere, but to leapfrog it. There's real opportunity in SA and in emerging markets generally to build 21st century infrastructure that doesn't pay the price or have any of the problems associated with the legacy infrastructure,” says Shuttleworth.

"Businesses in emerging markets are looking to gain the freedom and flexibility afforded by open standards. The IBM Client for Smart Work builds on the movement toward open standards and Web-based personal computing, by giving people the power to work smarter, regardless of device," says Bob Picciano, GM of IBM Lotus Software.

Running on Canonical's Ubuntu Linux operating system, the solution provides the option to deliver collaboration through the Web in a cloud service model. This software bundle can also be extended to virtualised workspaces.

IBM says its package is targeted at African governments and can help them deliver open standards using Open Document Format. The company notes that governments should be looking at savings on licensing, administration and maintenance to cut costs and direct funds towards other initiatives, such as education and health.

“This is a particularly interesting time in technology, as we are seeing the emergence of cloud computing, which builds on the global connected nature of the Internet and allows organisations to re-architect their computing infrastructure with the Internet at the heart of it, and delivering services directly to end-users in a more lightweight kind of fashion,” says Shuttleworth.

IBM and Canonical say the research reveals that netbook computer sales are expected to quadruple, from 35 million in 2009 to 139 million by 2013. Linux will outgrow Windows on netbooks by 2012, they add, reducing their cost substantially below the typical retail cost of personal computers running Windows XP.

“Emerging markets are evaluating how to equip their workforces with the ways and means to manufacture, service and sell more. Controlling overhead costs are critical, but instead of replacing more expensive technologies, Africa and other emerging markets are looking to build out their commercial sectors using new, open systems that do not limit future expansion with proprietary restrictions, IT silos and licensing fees,” says IBM.