IBM Launches Program for Small Business Linux E-Business Applications

IBM has announced a program that aims to pave the way for a new class of Linux e-business applications specifically designed for small businesses. The program includes a not-for-resale, no charge Application Developer's Kit, support, and marketing incentives for commercial software developers.

The kit includes industry leading software for Linux, offering a secure technology base for developing e-business applications for diverse industries and markets. Developers can port, test and benchmark their e-business applications free of charge at IBM Solutions Partnership Centers in eight cities across the Asia, Europe and the U.S. Qualified applications developed or ported to Linux during the pilot program will be featured on selected high-traffic IBM Web sites. To qualify for these promotions, applications must use at least two IBM software technologies as their application infrastructures. The best applications will also be eligible to be showcased in IBM booths at major Linux conferences and trade shows in 2000.