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Intel Backs Linux as Alternative to Windows

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Intel, one of the world's largest microchip manufacturers, has thrown its weight behind a free alternative operating system to Windows. The company, along with Netscape, has announced a significant investment in Red Hat Software, which markets the Linux operating system. This move is seen as a challenge to Microsoft's dominance in the computer industry, with Linux gaining popularity as a viable alternative to Windows NT.

Key Takeaways:

  • Intel's Gail Hall stated that Linux is the second-fastest-growing operating system on the market, and the company wants to ensure it runs well on their processors.
  • Intel may offer marketing support to help push the Red Hat Linux operating system as an alternative to Windows NT.
  • Jon Oltsik, a senior analyst with Forrester Research, believes that the move could be good news for Microsoft, as it may prove that Windows has a serious competitor.
  • Intel's investment in Red Hat Software could be seen as a hedge against the possibility that Linux could succeed in the future.
  • Netscape's co-founder Marc Andreessen believes that demand for Linux software will mushroom next year, and the company's investment will help Linux gain a solid corporate reputation.
  • Robert Young, Red Hat's president, plans to use the invested money to set up an enterprise computing division aimed at offering corporate users support and advice on a par with Windows NT.
  • One of the biggest problems facing Linux is a lack of software for the platform, including Microsoft's Office software, which runs only on Windows.
  • Dusan Renic, Netscape UK's product manager, believes that the internet is making application software irrelevant, and that browser-based solutions can already provide an alternative to Windows NT.

Statistics:

  • Linux is the second-fastest-growing operating system on the market (Gail Hall, Intel).
  • Intel may offer marketing support to help push the Red Hat Linux operating system as an alternative to Windows NT (Gail Hall, Intel).
  • The investment amount is not specified in the article.
  • 1998 is the year mentioned in the article as the copyright year for The Sunday Times.

Sources:

  • The Sunday Times, 1998.
  • Gail Hall, Intel.
  • Jon Oltsik, Forrester Research.
  • Marc Andreessen, Netscape.
  • Robert Young, Red Hat.
  • Dusan Renic, Netscape UK.

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