Linux News: Implementation

Instant-On Computing: The Killer OSS-Based PC Feature?
March 18, 2009

In our age of instant gratification, no one likes waiting for anything. That's why the sluggish launch time of a typical personal computer can make a consumer irritable. It's also why instant-on computing has become a sort of Holy Grail for hardware and software makers in the industry. The pursuit of instant-on is a quest that's given Linux traction in an arena that for years it has found a tough nut to crack.

'My First Time' Posts and Other Linux Marketing Problems
March 05, 2009

In our ongoing quest to bring readers all the FOSS news that's fit to print -- with the occasional addition, perhaps, of some that isn't -- we here at LinuxInsider are always suckers for a good contest. And so we're delighted to spread the word about a contest that recently made the news on Slashdot -- involving $200,000 in cash prizes, no less!

Cleaning Out the Closet: What to Do With Those Worn-Out Legacy Systems
March 04, 2009

Many large enterprises still run critical applications on legacy Linux and Unix platforms. Much like the fabled Energizer Bunny, these old computing OSes keep going and going and going. Some of these are not even in production any more. Upgrading these systems is no simple matter, partly because the organizations using them cannot simply turn off servers containing customer or financial data.

The CIO's Place in the Cloud
March 02, 2009

Occasionally when some new and disruptive technology comes on the market, my friends and colleagues phone me up to ask, "How is this new technology going to change your world?" They know I will feign indifference and my comeback will be that CIO means "career is over!" The secret answer is, innovation is what makes this role fun.

Open Source, the Recession and the Lower-TCO Promise
February 27, 2009

Most segments of the technology market are hurting due to the recession, but one -- open source systems -- appears to be thriving despite the economic turmoil. Open source vendors such as Red Hat, SugarCRM and Vyatta say the recession has compelled organizations and corporations large and small to take a closer look at Linux-based software and hardware in an effort to reduce costs.

Marvell Offers Mini Plug Computer for Consumer, Network, Appliance Designs
February 25, 2009

Marvell has created a new Plug Computing initiative to help developers build high-performance, always-on, always-connected and environmentally friendly little computer devices that plug into electrical wall sockets and act like embedded or appliance computers in the home.

Hawking Open Source in Tough Times
February 24, 2009

The ongoing economic meltdown has presented a unique strategic opportunity to vendors of open source software. Slashed budgets and riffed staffs are forcing enterprise users of proprietary software business solutions to rethink the suitability of open source replacement products. Many firms are discovering that the misconception that "free" means "cheap" is causing them to overspend on proprietary software.

Citrix Gives Enterprises Free Path to Attainment of Xen
February 23, 2009

Would an enterprise be more likely to deploy a virtual solution if it were free? That is the question Citrix has asked with the unveiling of a new version of its XenServer virtualization platform that the company will offer free of charge at the end of March. The software, available to any user for unlimited production deployment, will include new features.

Obama and the Open Sourcing of the US Government
January 26, 2009

Those of us in the Linux community have long appreciated the many virtues of open source technology, but a rash of new interest suggests that governments are starting to wake up to the idea as well. For example: Earlier this month, as faithful readers will remember, we noted the new mandate in Vietnam that all government computers move to Linux.

10 Ways to Make Your Open Source Database Project Float
January 23, 2009

Harvesting, querying, delivering, enriching and analyzing data is at the heart of every business. However, most organizations are saddled with high-priced commercial databases as a result of continual departmental investments in new database projects, business intelligence projects, and the addition of new database projects through the merger and acquisition process.

Open Source Integration Challenges and Solutions
December 24, 2008

Linux has proven that the open source model works -- it addresses two of the biggest challenges for IT professionals: the high cost of infrastructure software and the limitations a closed stack imposes on the enterprise. Open source is particularly appealing for cost savings, vendor neutrality, access to source code and innovation.

The Flying Penguin: Linux In-Flight Entertainment Systems
December 18, 2008

If you've used an in-flight entertainment system, known in the airline industry as an "IFE," to watch movies, listen to music, or order food lately, chances are it used Linux as an operating system. You might not know that Linux is the operating system behind what you see on your screen, but it probably is.

IBM Takes Dead Aim at Microsoft With Virtual Linux Desktop
December 04, 2008

IBM has teamed with Virtual Bridges and Canonical to offer a new Linux-based virtual desktop solution. The three companies announced the general availability of Virtual Linux Desktop Thursday, calling it a cost-effective alternative to Microsoft's desktop software. VLD runs open standards-based e-mail, word processing, spreadsheets, unified communication, social networking and other software.

Open Source in a Down Economy: The Money Race Is On
November 13, 2008

The sour economy is causing industries and individuals alike to tighten their belts in just about all areas of spending, including software. Downloading free and low-cost open source software is often an attractive alternative to proprietary commercial products. The potential for enterprises and other users switching from high-priced software to open source alternatives poses a new opportunity.

Laying the GroundWork for Better Systems Monitoring
October 10, 2008

Founded in 1998, EZ Prints is an Atlanta-based provider of digital image fulfillment technology for retailers, portals, ISPs, digital content owners and professional photo services. About 500 online and offline retailers in the U.S. and Europe, including six of the top 10 online photo sites, use EZ Prints' technology platform to offer services that allow consumers and businesses to personalize digital content.

Mono 2.0 Spreads .Net to Linux and Mac
October 07, 2008

For developers who have fallen in love with .Net/C#, but aren't married to running their applications on Windows, the Mono Project aims to let Microsoft .Net-based apps run on Linux and Mac OS X, among several other platforms. Sponsored by Novell, the Mono Project has released Mono 2.0 of its cross-platform, open source .Net development framework.