IBM Middleware and Linux together provide the foundation for implementing an on demand operating environment - an integrated technology infrastructure that delivers immediate value and benefits to the business. The combination of this open-source operating system and IBM's comprehensive range of software over multiple hardware platforms allows you to quickly respond to market changes with flexible, reliable, secure and cost-effective solutions.

• Flexibility
  IBM's commitment to open standards and the Linux open-source operating system allow you to choose the best hardware and software for each task while avoiding proprietary vendor lock in:
• Linux runs on a wide variety of hardware, allowing you to select the operating system independent of hardware decisions.
• The open source availability of Linux ensures a choice for Linux distribution.
• Linux is supported by multiple Linux distributors, including Red Hat and Novell SUSE.

• Reliability
  Proven scalability and reliability from IBM software and Linux enable total solutions that are robust, increase productivity, and increase responsiveness:
• Linux offers reliable performance on multiple platforms, including Intel servers.
• Linux offers a reliable UNIX®-like environment but with reduced costs based on less expensive hardware requirements.

• Security
  Linux delivers a number of practical and architectural security strengths:
• Linux implements the UNIX security approach of restricting many system level tasks to the "root" user.
• Open source development helps reduce potential security holes by allowing more people to review the source code.

• Cost-effectiveness
  Linux and IBM may enhance your total cost of ownership with a variety of cost-effective characteristics:
• Linux enables reduced hardware costs by enabling the selection of less expensive hardware, such as replacing more expensive UNIX hardware with low-cost Intel hardware.
• Linux reduces the cost of operating system licenses both in initial purchases and in renewals.

IBM supports and is committed to the development of Linux solutions, offering a comprehensive portfolio of more than 500 IBM middleware products running on Linux. IBM extends this support of Linux across hardware platforms and services offerings, giving you the solid support to create an on demand operating environment. IBM and Linux deliver a powerful combination that provides you with the business flexibility to respond quickly to market changes in a 24X7 business environment.