Oscar Rozario, solutions sales manager: IBM Software Group, says: The openness and flexibility of the Linux desktop, combined with widespread availability of server software running on Linux, has increased demand for tested and market-proven desktop applications such as Lotus Notes.
 
With this release, IBM is delivering business-grade e-mail and group scheduling on Linux, as well as the opportunity for customers to take the thousands of high-value Notes applications and run them on a Linux desktop for the first time. Combined with server support for Intel and mainframe Linux, IBM now offers end-to-end support for Linux on the Lotus Notes and Domino 7 collaboration platform.
 
According to a recent survey of 400 developers who have worked or are currently working with Open Source software, Linux is expected to surpass Windows as the primary operating system for developing applications. The latest announcement by IBM means that customers will be able to take advantage of the same security, flexibility and reliability benefits on the desktop by running Linux on the server.

According to Rozario, Linux will help Lotus Notes users integrate a wide array of software applications that are available for no charge or at a low cost from business partners and independent software vendors (ISVs).
 
Rozario adds that IBM Lotus Notes on Linux is also a significant development for the SME community. Since many SMEs and start-ups have the opportunity to start fresh without incumbent infrastructures in place, the Linux environment is a particularly appealing option from a flexibility and cost standpoint, he says.
 
In addition, Lotus Notes applications are available to solve a wide range of business challenges, from help desk operation to business process workflow. The ability to run Lotus Notes on Linux provides SMEs with an enterprise-level collaboration environment that can scale to fit their needs.
 
Besides addressing Linux customer demand, the arrival of Lotus Notes on Linux presents opportunities for the hundreds of IBM business partners who implement Linux e-mail and collaboration, and develop Linux-based applications, Rozario claims.