IBM announced that IBM Lotus Sametime will provide server and desktop support for Linux. Lotus Sametime support for Linux gives customers the opportunity to fully integrate the industry's leading enterprise real-time collaboration software with the cost savings and openness of the Linux platform.

IBM is the first major enterprise real-time collaboration provider to support the Linux server and desktop, effectively bridging the gap between the desire for flexibility in IT decisions and the need for advanced, business-grade collaboration. With Lotus Sametime support for Linux, businesses will be able to take advantage of the security-rich and easy-to-integrate instant messaging and Web conferencing capabilities of Lotus Sametime, while preserving the ability to choose the desktop and server environment that best meets their needs.

Because Linux is built on open technology, businesses can avoid the server licenses typical of proprietary platforms. In addition, Linux customers can save time and money by reducing downtime expenses and administration costs associated with tasks such as security patch upgrades.

"Today's announcement is a natural step forward in IBM's support for Linux in the enterprise," said Ken Bisconti vice president, Lotus software products, IBM. "With IBM Lotus Notes for Linux and now, Lotus Sametime support for Linux, all of an organization's key collaborative business applications can run in a 100 percent Linux environment."

The value of open technology and the Linux platform is also appealing to millions of small and medium sized businesses (SMBs). Lotus Sametime support for Linux can help SMBs stretch their often limited budgets and resources, and conduct business in real-time using the market-leading, integrated instant messaging and Web conferencing solution. In addition, Lotus Sametime's flexible pricing options enable SMBs to pay only for what they need today, yet have the ability to easily add additional users as their business grows.