Intel starts big reseller desktop Linux push

CHIP GIANT Intel - which could probably make a decent job of writing an OS if it had the will to do so - has started a major push for dealers, promoting the Linux operating system on the desktop.

Intel's Quick Start Kit for Linux allows its channel partners to design, to build and to sell machines using the OS. The kit will include device drivers, so called value added tools nd marketing stuff.

There's driver support stuff for clients for a heap of chipsets for motherboards including the 845, the 865, and the 915. Intel will grant resellers the right worldwide to copy and modify its software into dealers' own products, as long as copyright notices are included.

The chip firm told its reseller base on a confidential web page that as the demand for Linux on the desktop increases, it is working with the industry to extend validation and tools to ensure INTC based clients can be built faster. That will help dealers "service the demand" for Linux on the desktop. This probably won't make Microsoft very happy, but then Intel is very unhappy about Microsoft, so it is a quid pro quo kind of thing.

Currently, Novell's SuSE Linux and Red Hat are supported, Intel told its dealer base.

You can't become a member of Intel's cunning plan until you enrol in its programme. You can do that by flying over to Intel's channel site. If you can find it, that is, on such a huge site. Because the INQ isn't supposed to know about this, we can't point you to an URL, helas! µ

For more great channel stuff, fly over to our Channel Site, which is at the Channel INQ.