IBM's Global Services division on Monday detailed the services it is offering corporations in Brazil that are interested in using Linux on desktop PCs, point-of-sale terminals and other devices. The strategy is part of IBM's larger push to sell Linux-based hardware and services to compete against Microsoft.
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The consulting services are designed to help customers plan and implement strategies to replace existing software with Linux-based alternatives. IBM will work with software from different Linux companies, including Red Hat, Novell and Conectiva, a Latin American Linux distributor.
Brazilian retailer Casas Bahia has already signed on with IBM to install Linux-based registers, which IBM asserts reduced the company's technology costs.
IBM expects companies to use Linux software in call center PCs, ATMs, kiosks and other point-of-sale terminals.
IBM competitor Sun Microsystems is trying to use Linux to sell cheap desktop systems outside of the United States as well. Sun plans to offer a "per-citizen" pricing scheme to developing countries for its Linux desktop and server software.
