The founder of MP3.com has come up with a solution for the dearth of desktop applications for the Linux operating system: Make Windows software run on top of Linux.
While Linux has made significant in-roads on the server side, particularly as a server operating system, it hasn't made a dent in the desktop. There have been a few Linux ports of applications -- Borland's Kylix is essentially Delphi for Linux -- and some games -- Quake III: Arena, Unreal -- but the Linux desktop market has not taken off.
Michael Robertson's solution is Lindows, a new Linux distribution that will, eventually, run all Windows applications as they would run on Windows 98, NT and XP.
Robertson said Linux has failed to take off with Windows users because of entrenched habits. Users are reluctant to forsake applications like Microsoft Office, even if viable alternatives, like Sun's StarOffice, come along.
"We think this is one of the big impediments to people embracing Linux," said Robertson. "They have a big investment in Windows software and don't want to leave it behind. With Lindows OS, they won't have to. You can install the Windows software and it behaves exactly as it would on their Windows machine."
Lindows achieves Windows compatibility by using pieces of Wine, which is software that allows Windows applications to run in Unix that has been in development since 1993.
Wine is only a part of the overall Lindows compatibility layer, Robertson said. The rest will come from software developed in-house.
While Wine, a volunteer project, has been eight years in development, Robertson thinks he can get a Windows compatibility layer fully functional by putting some money behind it.
"Capital can do great things," he said. "That will focus some of the efforts more so than they've been in the past."
The first preview release for Lindows will be released in November or December, according to Robertson. The final product, due next year, will cost $99. Testers will be charged $99 for the pre-release software, but will get the final product free.
The preview release will not be fully compatible with Windows, but will support major office productivity programs like Microsoft Office.
Robertson said he expects full Windows compatibility in 18 to 24 months. And he expects it to be done without infringing Microsoft code or copyrights.
Microsoft officials, busy with the launch of Windows XP in New York, were not available for comment.
Robertson said consumers will be attracted to Lindows because of the relatively low price and consumer-friendly licensing terms. Windows XP Home Edition is $199 for new licensees or $99 for upgrades, and the Professional Edition will sell for $299, or $199 for upgrades.
Robertson is also hoping to capitalize on resentment toward Windows XP's controversial activation feature, which may force users to seek Microsoft's permission to reinstall the software should they make major changes to the computer it runs on.
"That's important for someone who runs a small business with 25 computers," Robertson said. "It's not just the initial cost differential, but the ongoing licensing terms and fees."
George Weiss, an analyst with the Gartner Group, is skeptical there will be high demand for Lindows.
"For a desktop (operating system) to succeed, you need to have applications, and what they are attempting to do is sell a cheap OS," Weiss said.
"Their business is in operating systems and we maintain there's no business in an operating system," he added. "The markets have proven again and again that you make your money in the value you add to your underlying OS, and the OS is only as successful as its ability to attract developers."
Weiss said Lindows will also be a hard sell to consumers.
"If I'm running Windows and got all the apps out there that I really need, why should I run it on Linux? I'm going to say what's the difference?" said Weiss.
Lindows is essentially a full Linux installation, which means users will have to reformat their hard drives and reinstall all the applications.
Another potential problem for Lindows could be the compatibility layer. Sun Microsystems had a Windows emulator called Wabi, which was discontinued in 1997.
"Users didn't bite because there was one thing or another that didn't work or wasn't compatible," said Weiss. "That immediately is a non qualifier. As long as there's some kind of window where you'll have that capability in the future but you don't have it now, users will say 'call me when you have it.'"
