Major chip manufacturers and distributors have begun forging alliances and creating new collaborations to capitalize on the growing support for Linux on the desktop, server and in embedded systems.

In support of the open source community, Compaq is making available a port of the Linux operating system to Compaq's iPAQ handheld.

EuroLinux has taken to the internet in its fight against the patent system which they believe stifles innovation and allows companies with a strong legal teams to block innovative companies.

TurboLinux announced availability of its award-winning TurboLinux products in six new language versions, targeting the European and Latin American markets for Linux.

Enterprise users put off by a lack of centralized management for their open source resources will be interested in new software from HP that will let network professionals monitor and configure their Linux servers and applications.

Despite its successes, the Linux operating system faces a number of challenges before it can be accepted as a world-class enterprise operating system.

As IPOs, mergers and product releases for Linux make headlines, how do companies differentiate themselves in a world where everything is open?

How is Linux to avoid "forking"? The answer is simple, it can't. The requirements of a platform like a mainframe are not the same as the requirements of the desktop or the handheld.

Consumers are likely to have their first hands-on experience with Linux on webpads, IAs and PDAs. Since the devices will be simplified in their functions it is an excellent time to show how Linux can be a useful non-geek tool.

Sources say that the progress on the Microsoft 64-bit port is slower than expected. If Win64 isn't delivered on time then Linux and Monterey are likely to be Intel's best hope.