IBM announced the availability of IBM Lotus Notes on Linux, the industry's first business-grade collaboration software to support Linux on the desktop. Lotus Notes on Linux now provides millions of Lotus Notes users worldwide with software that enables an open desktop alternative to proprietary desktop operating systems.

The openness and flexibility of the Linux desktop combined with widespread availability of server software running on Linux has increased demand for tested and market-proven, desktop applications such as Lotus Notes. For the first time, IBM is delivering business-grade e-mail, group scheduling and thousands of high-value Notes applications that run on the Linux desktop. Combined with server support for Intel and mainframe Linux, IBM now offers end-to-end support for Linux on the Lotus Notes and Domino 7 collaboration platform.

According to a recent Evans Data Corporation survey of 400 developers who have worked or are currently working with Open Source software, Linux is expected to surpass Windows as the primary operating system for developing applications. With today's announcement, customers will be able to take advantage of the same security, flexibility and reliability benefits on the desktop now obtained by running Linux on the server. Linux is easy to install and configure on the desktop and will help Lotus Notes users integrate a wide array of software applications that are available for no charge or at a low cost from a variety of Business Partners and independent software vendors (ISVs).

IBM Lotus Notes on Linux is also a significant development for small and medium sized businesses (SMB). Since many SMBs and start-ups have the opportunity to start fresh without incumbent infrastructures in place, the Linux environment is a particularly appealing option from a flexibility and cost standpoint. In addition, Lotus Notes applications are available to solve a wide range of business challenges, from help desk operations to business process workflow. The ability to run Lotus Notes on Linux provides SMBs with an enterprise-level collaboration environment that can scale to fit their needs.

In addition to addressing Linux customer demand, the arrival of Lotus Notes on Linux presents a new level of opportunity for the hundreds of IBM Business Partners who implement Linux e-mail and collaboration, and develop Linux-based applications. The 'Migrate to the Penguin' initiative offers Business Partners up to $20,000 for migrating customers from Microsoft Exchange to IBM Lotus Notes and Domino on Linux desktop.