MontaVista upgrades Linux for telecoms, Oct 15, 2003

MontaVista Software, a Linux specialist that avoids PCs and general-purpose servers in favor of "embedded" devices such as DVD players, announced its third-generation operating system for telecommunications equipment on Monday.

The new MontaVista Linux Carrier Grade Edition 3.1, scheduled to be available in the fourth quarter, runs on new types of equipment and includes features designed to make telecommunications servers more reliable. The company announced the new version at the Telecom World 2003 show in Geneva.

Who's afraid of SCO Group?

Apparently just a small portion of companies thinking about implementing Linux, according to a recent survey of 100 chief information officers by investment firm Credit Suisse First Boston.

The survey, published Monday, found that 84 percent of CIOs with Linux installation plans had not re-evaluated their plans in response to the SCO litigation. Of the respondents, 73 percent had Linux implementation plans, according to the survey.

We can agree, or disagree, on whether the GPL is a good idea, and whether viral software licenses are a good idea, and whether open source software, in general, is a good idea. There are legitimate points of disagreement with respect to all those questions.

I'm always surprised, however, to find people upset at the idea that the Free Software Foundation (FSF) is actually attempting to enforce the GNU Public License (GPL). Of course the FSF is going to try and enforce the GPL-- there'd be no point to the license otherwise. And it's perfectly obvious and clear from the history of the FSF and the GPL that they expect you to live up to it.

Webmaster's note: Warning: Contains some FUD

In the world of "free" open source software, there is no greater villain than SCO, owner of the Unix operating system.

The Lindon, Utah, company has outraged Linux lovers by suing IBM (nyse: IBM - news - people ), claiming IBM stole Unix code and put it into Linux. Some fear the lawsuit by SCO will impede the adoption of Linux.

But the spread of Linux could be hurt by another group--and ironically, it's the free-software proponents themselves.

MandrakeSoft, a leading Linux producer, today announced the availability of a new version of its flagship operating system -- Mandrake Linux 9.2 "FiveStar". This new release celebrates the fifth anniversary of the Mandrake Linux distribution. Version 9.2 delivers many new and exciting innovations to the Linux world and to the worldwide computing audience. Mandrake Linux 9.2 (FiveStar) is available in four versions tailored for individual computer users and for small/medium-sized businesses including a new "Discovery" pack, an easy-to-use desktop product customized for first-time Linux users. The PowerPack is a comprehensive bundle for Linux power-users. Also available is the Mandrake Linux 9.2 ProSuite, a full-featured server product for businesses and enterprises. All Mandrake 9.2 products can be pre-ordered at MandrakeStore.com. A Download Edition is also available. An Athlon64® version will ship at the end of October.

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