Linux IT to underwrite open-source adoption

Integrator will attempt to remove fear around community open-source projects with indemnification programme

Linux IT is aiming to kick-start community-based open-source software adoption among UK enterprises with the launch of an indemnification scheme.

In what it claims is a world first, the integrator is offering to underwrite any community-based open-source software that meets the requirements of its
verification process.

The soon-to-be-launched programme, which is backed by an unnamed insurance firm, enables Linux IT to fix or replace the software if it does not work as expected. Cover to the value of £5m is provided.

Mike Curtis, executive director of service delivery at Linux IT, said he understood why most firms have traditionally balked at the idea of using open-source software that is not commercially backed.

"We are trying to remove the fear around community open-source adoption," he said.

"We are not trying to take anything away from the community, but rather to enable use of community products among businesses."

Curtis claimed the open-source movement's success had been hampered by idealism and characterised Linux IT as a pragmatist. "We are a services organisation that happens to trade in the open-source space but a services organisation first and foremost," he said.

Michael Breeze, marketing director at open-source software distributor Interactive Ideas, backed Linux IT's strategy.

"We are seeing many companies and public sector organisations that are now actively looking for open source software alternatives, but having supported software is critical," he said. "The new programme from Linux IT now provides those companies with the option of using more open source software in a structured, supported environment."

Greig Tosh, managing director of Red Hat partner CIVIC, said: "Now Oracle owns Sun and has the intellectual property for Java, we are at a tipping point where enterprises will start looking at open source as an alternative."