Siemens patronizes Linux

FRANKFURT: Siemens Business Services (SBS), the IT services arm of German technology conglomerate Siemens, said it had agreed a partnership deal with Novell's newly acquired unit SUSE Linux.

Linux software is Open Source, meaning it can be freely copied and modified, unlike proprietary software such as Microsoft Windows.

"In the past months clients have been asking more and more for Open Source platforms," SBS said in a statement which said SUSE would have "premier partner status". SBS is one of Europe's top 10 information technology service providers.

Linux, once the exclusive province of a few dedicated enthusiasts, is now seen as the only serious rival to Windows and is supported by U.S. giant International Business Machines, among others.

Its advocates, who include big businesses and government departments, argue it is cheaper, simpler and more secure than Windows.

© Reuters