From the archive: Linux gains momentum as application server platform

NEWS Linux has gained credibility as a viable application server platform following a deal struck between SCO subsidiary Tarantella and Caldera Systems, which will see Tarantella port its middleware to Caldera's OpenLinux Application Server product. The deal will enable end-users to access any applications - whether Windows, Linux or Unix - via a web browser underpinned by Tarantella middleware. Caldera CEO Ransom Love claimed the deal would allow companies to take advantage of Linux's low cost, while keeping their existing IT infrastructure. Butler Group senior research analyst, Sue Clarke, added: "In order for Linux to become a major platform it needs applications. This is a very significant development taking Linux away from being regarded as the preserve of techies, and into the business arena." Neil Ward-Dutton, principal consultant at analyst house Ovum, said: "This increases the relevance of Linux as a potential application server platform. While all the big vendors - barring Microsoft - have been starting to move this way, this can only increase the momentum." The news may also mark an important development for SCO. Tony Lock, analyst at Bloor Research, said: "This raises the question of where SCO sees its traditional Unix platforms going in the future. Does this mean Tarantella is now SCO's flagship?" Earlier this year SCO re-organised itself into three divisions, one focusing on the Tarantella product range.