How IBM builds up its store of Linux knowledge

By Sam Varghese
Monday, 06 April 2009 05:28

Opinion and Analysis

Ask anyone in the IT industry if they could have predicted years ago that a company like IBM would come to be known as one of the biggest users of Linux, and it's doubtful if there would be a single answer in the positive.
When you think of the IBM of the past and bring hackers into the picture, the two do not seem to gel.

But for some years now, the ultimate American blue chip company has been concentrating on making Linux run on all its servers, storage and middleware.

It does so in its own inimitable, understated way. You won't find a lot of media coverage of IBM's Linux business; things happen quietly. IBM's version of Tux is indicative of this as well: its Linux logo sports a white shirt, blue coat and a bow-tie.

The amount of Linux knowledge within IBM is massive; it has its own Linux technology centre where more than 600 developers work. And it has its own way of fostering the growth of such knowledge within its portals.

Within the company there are what are called communities of practice, which focus on special interests, domains and disciplines.

Open source is one of them. It is one of the larger communities and right now 5086 people are part of it worldwide, according to Glenn Wightwick, director of the IBM Australia Development Laboratory.

One does not have to be working on open source within IBM to be a part of this community of practice; any IBM employee can join a community of his or her interest.

"The open source community of practice was set up in 2000; everyone who participates does so in addition to their day jobs," Wightwick says.

"The structure is defined by the community, and communication, i.e. newsletters, forums and the recorded lectures, are co-ordinated via two co-leaders. It is a flat structure and the co-leaders are volunteers. The individual defines the level of activity in which they wish to participate."

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