Linux
unstoppable in Middle East says IBM
Posted: 22 June 2003
Linux Symposia in Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait demonstrate
regional success of open source software
Linux, the open source operating system that is rapidly becoming
a major force in the enterprise computing space, is the focus of
three major events.
It is aimed at helping decision makers evaluate how they can adopt
this technology as the region increasingly looks to adopt open source
software as an alternative to expensive and restrictive proprietary
technology.
Hosted by IBM Middle East, along with its General Marketing and
Services Representative for the Gulf, Gulf Business Machines (GBM),
the “Linux: Crossing the Chasm” event will be held in
Oman on the 29th June, Bahrain on the 30th June, and Kuwait on the
1st of July.
Keynote speakers will be Dr Khaled al Ghoniem, Chairman of the
Saudi Computer Society, who will examine issues such as Arabic support
and security within Linux, and Rob Lamb, IBM’s Worldwide Director
of Linux Sales, who will cover the business case for Linux, and
why it makes sense in the medium and large enterprise.
Other topics that will be discussed will be the enterprise software
applications available today for Linux, and the advantages of running
Linux on IBM’s eServers.
“Linux benefits are clear: not just the low to zero cost
of licences for the operating system, which are only a small component
of the total cost of ownership. More importantly, Linux offers extremely
robust security, it’s extremely reliable, features outstanding
performance – but most importantly, it’s open,”
said Samer Shaar, GM of IBM Middle East Egypt and Pakistan.
“Linux runs on a variety of platforms, allowing users to
choose what suits their needs best, and move to another platform
if their requirements change, without having to undertake massive
re-coding or migration issues. IBM has put well over a billion dollars
into Linux, both in terms of making the operating system enterprise-ready,
and to provide Linux versions of our enterprise data management,
collaboration and Web services software,” added Shaar, “Linux
simply makes great business sense.”
According to Jyoti Lalchandani, Regional Director of analyst group
IDC, “Adoption levels of Linux in the Middle East have increased
considerably, particularly in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which
witnessed large Linux-based server implementations in 2002. This
is a positive trend, although Linux OS is currently still being
used as the secondary operating system. IDC believes that demand
for Linux OS will surge, mostly in select industry sectors such
as education and government.”
Since IBM hosted the region’s first Linux Symposium in Bahrain
this time last year, its growth in the region has been impressive.
Linux user groups have appeared in Middle East countries, contributing
to the development of Arabic support in Linux, which IBM helped
jump-start with the development of key software modules at its 200
person Cairo-based software development centre.
About IBM
IBM is the world’s largest information technology company,
with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. IBM
offers a wide range of services, solutions and technologies that
enable telecommunications service providers and equipment suppliers
to take full advantage of the new era of e-business.
For more information on IBM, visit www.ibm.com.
Posted by Richard Price,
Editor Pipeline Magazine
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