IBM today announced that it plans to invest $100m over three years to expand Linux support across its Workplace software portfolio.

The investment will focus on products including WebSphere Portal, Lotus Notes/Domino and IBM Workplace. It will also be used for ISV support programmes, channel/partner initiatives, research and development, marketing and various technology and integration centres.

According to Big Blue, its expanded Linux support will help customers build Linux-based enterprise infrastructures. It aims to enable products and applications to run on a variety of operating systems, including Linux.

"Since customers have been looking for ways to extend the value of Linux to the desktop, IBM felt the time was right to deliver a fully supported Linux client alternative," said Ambuj Goyal, general manager of workplace, portal and collaboration software at IBM.

"IBM is helping customers to more fully utilise the business benefits of the Linux platform by providing software on Linux to help build the front end of their solutions."