Since they've decided to go with open-source, and inspired other to do the same, IBM built their Linux operation to a $16 billion/year business. That was last year. Next, according to Mary Ann Fisher, the company's global head of public sector Linux sales, IBM's share is projected to go beyond $50 billion.

"Governments worldwide are spending more than US$3 billion a year on Linux hardware, software and services, and this is growing at 35% a year. But it's the US military that is spending the most. They view it as a source of innovation."

Considering the figures, it's not surprising that IBM boasts "15,000 engineers dedicated to Linux, and 10,000 services people. There are 30,000 staff running a Linux pilot on the desktop."

Larry Ellison claimed Linux depends on large companies adopting and investing in it. That's misguided, obviously, but the Linux market does depend on it. Like any market, it needs capital, and no matter how cool you think NIS is technically, you're going to have difficulties in selling it now. Investments go to marketable products (for the most part) and knowing that giants like IBM believe they will work helps. A lot.

I know IBM is just another gigantic mechanism bent on world domination, but thanks for pushing Linux further a bit.