New Linux Sites Launch Amid Microsoft Troubles

In the wake of the landmark ruling that branded Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) a monopoly, information and developer resource Web sites are moving into the market space for Linux-based solutions.

Project Linux, for example, has launched a new site that features areas for both the Linux-curious and the Linux-experienced.

Project Features

The Get Linux section of the new site is designed primarily for the newbie. It offers a list of available Linux packages and features comparison and distribution search engines. More advanced users can also use the service to search for a specific feature that they need out of an OS package.

The Open Talk section is attempting to be "the online forum of the Linux community," an idea that has worked quite for the well-established slashdot.org. Offering a range of discussion forums on open-source technologies and a support area, Open Talk is designed for both developers and new users.

Project Linux, which features chat areas, Linux links, news items, polls and technical information, will add new areas regularly.

Open Minded Acquisition

Open-source applications firm BeOpen.com has recently acquired LinuxDev.net, another developer-related online resource.

"Although we had many acquisition offers from other well-known companies, BeOpen's commitment to the open-source community made this an easy decision," commented Chris Tan, LinuxDev.net founder. "LinuxDev.net visitors will now have direct access to BeOpen.com's cross-platform content, resources and services."

According to BeOpen.com, the mission is to work with open-source communities to build applications for the AIX, HP-UX, Linux, NT and Solaris platforms. "The addition of LinuxDev.net complements our business strategy to expand the BeOpen.com portal network to all major operating systems," said Bob Weiner, BeOpen.com CEO.

New Penguins on the OS Block

Additionally, a couple of new Linux distributions have hit the market for open-source OS solutions. Libra Computer Systems recently released LINUX BY LIBRANET, a new product based on the OS distribution developed by the Debian Project.

Libra will bundle the OS with "the most commonly used applications," one year of e-mail and fax support, and a "HOWTO" guide to Debian.

"Linux is now a serious challenge to Microsoft," commented Jon Danzig, president of the North Vancouver, Canada-based Libra. "The Linux by Libranet distribution helps bring this powerful operating system within the reach of millions of non-technical computer users."

Additionally, LinuxOne, Inc., a developer of open-source software products and services, just launched its LinuxOne Lite product for the newbie. "LinuxOne Lite," according to a company statement, "is a simple and inexpensive way for the curious, first-time, or inexperienced user to explore Linux, learn the facilities, and decide whether to upgrade to a full implementation."

Startup LinuxOne has not been warmly received by the Linux community, having been dismissed by several outspoken and leading members. Critics point to a lack of reported revenue along with the fact that the company's IPO prospectus seems to be a copy of Red Hat's, and label LinuxOne as more of an opportunist than a solid market entry.