IBM System p runs Linux

IBM announced an open beta version of its virtual Linux environment, to enable x86 Linux applications to run without modification on Power processor-based IBM System p servers, reports The Enquirer.

The company intends to expand on its System p Unix success and extend into the Linux marketplace. There are already 2 800 applications that run natively on Linux System p servers, and new applications will 'just know' the application is a Linux x86 binary at runtime, and run it automatically in a p AVE environment.

IBM expects ISVs that don't already have a native Linux on Power product to be able to expand their addressable market to System p servers at minimal cost.

Microsoft and Unisys have teamed up to launch a free online trial of Exchange Server 2007, for any user looking to take a test drive, reports Network World.

Unisys is hosting the deployment of Exchange 2007, which will show users its messaging, collaboration and voice features over PC, browser or a mobile phone. Unisys officials say it also will provide a glimpse into its own managed-hosting services. The company already offers a hosted version of Exchange to corporate users.

"This is an opportunity for enterprises to try Exchange 2007 and all the new features, which they would not do immediately without having to build big test labs," says Nick Parker, GM of systems and services for Microsoft's enterprise and partner group.

AT&T is upgrading its back-end enterprise billing and support systems for the iPhone, in order to target business and enterprise users, reports Network World.

However, analysts are saying this would be a serious mistake. "If AT&T announces it will be marketing the phone to enterprise customers, we'd be against it," said Ken Dulaney, an analyst with Gartner. He says the iPhone is expected to have a number of shortcomings for business users, citing the lack of a removable battery as an example.

The phone is expected to become available in June, and will cost $499 or $599, depending on the memory size.