xandros

Xandros instant-on platform: Who needs it?

Linux shop Xandros is launching the Presto "instant-on" platform for PCs and laptops at the Demo 09 conference.

When I saw my first PC with an alternate, quick-boot Linux operating system (DeviceVM), I was impressed. But I no longer think this is a viable market. I do not believe consumers want to run two operating systems on their computers--one fast to boot but limited, and one slow but capable. They want what they know, and for most of them, that means Windows. That's why Windows XP has become the popular operating system for low-spec Netbooks. And with … Read more

Linspire getting swallowed by Xandros

Linspire, the Linux company started by high-tech entrepreneur Michael Robertson, is ready to fully assume its place as a footnote in operating system history.

As previously noted, the company is being swallowed by Xandros, another of the smaller Linux players. The deal is expected to be officially announced Wednesday.

"The Linux business is going through some healthy and necessary consolidation, which will give resulting companies greater assets and size to deliver on larger initiatives so Linux can touch more people," Robertson said in a statement.

Linspire is best known for its Linux distribution, once known as Lindows. Robertson … Read more

Linspire + Xandros = Anything of value?

In math, two negatives make a positive. In the fledgling world of desktop Linux, unfortunately, this is unlikely to be the case.

According to reports from OStatic and others, Xandros is buying Linspire. Who cares, you ask? Certainly not the former CEO of Linspire, Kevin Carmony, who had this to say as to the importance of the acquisition:

This will end up being a completely insignificant event for Linspire shareholders, and the end for Linspire customers. I predict this was done to: 1) help [Linspire owner and founder Michael] Robertson drain the company of its cash and resources...2) help … Read more

Linux seller Xandros acquires Scalix server software

Linux specialist Xandros has acquired Scalix, a seller of Linux-based server software for e-mail and calendar management, the companies announced Wednesday.

The acquisition expands Xandros' attempt to grow beyond its original roots as a desktop Linux supplier to a seller of a broader range of server products including Linux and management tools. Scalix is proprietary software, like competitor Microsoft Exchange but not Open-Xchange.

Terms of the deal weren't disclosed.

Scalix will operate as a separate subsidiary, New York-based Xandros said, but will be able to use Xandros resources and technology. Scalix will continue to support versions of Linux from … Read more