IBM says Linux developer project growing quickly

Computerworld - IBM began its "Speed-Start Your Linux Applications" drive with software developers in May, and today the company said it now has more than 33,000 registered developers who have created some 4,200 Linux applications to run on IBM software platforms.
That's more than twice the number of developers that IBM expected to build new applications for Linux under the program, which was created to help drive demand for Linux in the enterprise on IBM hardware and software.
Scott Handy, director of IBM's Linux Solutions Software group, said the growth of the community will help encourage more companies to look at Linux for their operations as more needed applications are created for the open-source operating system.
"We really wanted to take a snapshot in time, because the numbers look so healthy," he said. "Momentum builds momentum with developers."
The IBM program allows developers to build Linux applications to run on IBM's WebSphere, DB2, Lotus and Tivoli software. Also available, according to IBM, are several thousand Linux-based applications in IBM's Global Solutions Directory, an online repository of business applications available from independent software vendors. About 31% of those Linux applications are for the financial services sector, with 28% aimed at the retail market and 23% targeting government agencies.
The Speed-Start Your Linux App program offers free software, support and other resources to developers, including the IBM Software Evaluation Kit for Linux CD with tools, programs and more.

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