IBM has announced it will release bundled Linux server hardware and software combinations in the next few months, in a move that will push the open-source operating system further into the mainstream of business computing.

IBM will offer what it calls an Integrated Platform on Linux, targeting small and medium-sized businesses and departmental workgroups worldwide. So far, corporate use of Linux has largely been confined to tasks such as Web and email serving, although it sees a broader use in some sectors such as education and research. In particular, installation and deployment difficulties have slowed Linux's advance.

IBM will initially offer its xSeries Intel-based servers with the WebSphere Application Server and DB2 database for Linux. Resellers will also offer finance, retail, e-commerce, telecoms, distribution and manufacturing applications, with software vendor partners including supply-chain management company eOneGroup, e-commerce software maker Selectica, retail software developer MarCole and programming tools specialist Rational.

"We think this is the next big wave for the Linux platform," said Richard Michos, vice-president of Linux servers for IBM.

Later this year, IBM will offer bundles on more powerful servers in its eServer range. Newly appointed IBM chief Sam Palmisano has pledged to continue IBM's huge financial investment in the Linux platform.

Have your say: contact IT Week