Dell Computer, the leading supplier of corporate personal computers, is the latest computer maker to throw its support behind Linux, an alternative to Microsoft's Windows operating system.
In a series of announcements Tuesday, Dell said it bought an equity stake in Red Hat, a leading supplier of Linux software. It also will install Linux at the factory on some of its machines. Dell is the world's No. 1 direct supplier of personal computers.
In a further endorsement of Linux, Dell said it had signed up a new corporate customer, clothing retailer Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse, which agreed to buy 1,250 desktop PCs running Linux.
The deal is a significant sign that Linux is finding wider acceptance on desktop computers used by businesses -- the cornerstone of Microsoft's domination of the PC industry.
Dell's investment in Red Hat follows stakes by other heavyweights including Compaq, IBM, Intel, and America Online's Netscape unit.
Copyright© 1999 Reuters Limited.
