IBM Extends Linux Reach, Challenges Microsoft's Dominance

Strategic Insights -

IBM, the world's largest computer company, has further expanded its support for the free Linux operating system, which now includes devices such as watches. The move marks a significant step in IBM's efforts to make Linux the standard operating system for e-business and challenge Microsoft's position as the dominant player in the industry. Meanwhile, Henry Blodget, a prominent internet analyst, has expressed caution about the dotcom sector, advising investors to adopt traditional valuation methods. Elsewhere, the e-business sector continues to gain momentum, with Investis securing second-round funding and Inchcape targeting e-business opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

  • IBM has extended Linux support to devices such as watches, marking a significant expansion of the operating system's reach.
  • Henry Blodget, a well-known internet analyst, has downgraded several dotcom stocks, citing a shift from "hyper growth" to "long-term growth" and recommending traditional valuation methods.
  • Investis, an internet investor relations business, has secured second-round funding from the Reuters Greenhouse Fund, valued at around £11m.
  • Inchcape, a UK independent automotive distributor, plans to bounce back from disappointing first-half results by targeting e-business opportunities, including a £10m investment in the European arm of Autobytel.
  • SAP, Europe's largest software company, is redeploying its 6,000-strong development team to focus on its web product and reflect its sales and consulting arms.
  • Brian Reid is mentioned as a key figure in the e-business sector, although his specific role or company affiliation is not mentioned.

Statistics:

  • IBM's expansion of Linux support to devices such as watches marks a significant milestone in the operating system's growth.
  • The dotcom sector has shifted from "hyper growth" to "long-term growth," according to Henry Blodget's analysis.
  • Investis has secured an estimated £11m in second-round funding from the Reuters Greenhouse Fund.
  • Inchcape has invested £10m in the European arm of Autobytel, securing a 7.3% stake in the company.
  • SAP's 6,000-strong development team is being redeployed to focus on web product development.

Sources:

  • "IBM extends Linux reach" - no specific publication or date mentioned
  • Henry Blodget's analysis of the dotcom sector - no specific publication or date mentioned
  • Investis secures £11m in second-round funding from Reuters Greenhouse Fund - The Financial Times, May [no date mentioned]
  • Inchcape invests £10m in Autobytel's European arm - The Times, [no date mentioned]
  • SAP redeploying development team to focus on web product - no specific publication or date mentioned
  • Brian Reid mentioned as a key figure in the e-business sector - no specific publication or date mentioned