IBM is expected to announce on Monday at Linux World in Boston a new partnership with Novell to give small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) an easier way to implement Linux. The offering pairs software from Novell and Centeris with IBM's eServer xSeries or BladeCenter systems.

"We're seeing increasing interest in Linux and Open Source from small and medium businesses," IBM's open source strategy manager Adam Jollans told BetaNews in an interview. He said that many of these companies lack the IT department necessary to run a large Linux installation.

"[This offering] helps to solve the challenge of bringing in Linux," he added.

Another request has been for a solution to integrate easily into pre-existing Windows installations, which IBM's new product has been designed around. Software from Centeris would allow an IT administrator to manage Linux servers through the Windows administration console.

"[These companies] want a gradual change," Jollans explained. While the move may appear to be an attempt by IBM to lure users away from Windows, he said the decision on whether to make the full transition would be up to the customer. IBM itself would not pressure the customer to migrate.

Linux has been working well for IBM. The company is now is the top Linux server manufacturer in terms of overall revenue, with just over 28 percent of the market in 2005. The open source operating system is the fastest growing OS in terms of market share, according to recent statistics.

SMBs have become a popular target in recent months as software companies and service providers look to expand their business beyond the traditional enterprise base.

Microsoft's Office Live products aim to give inexpensive access to business applications for companies that may not have the IT staff to create such services. Internet telephony provider Skype also recently announced VoIP services aimed at small business owners.

Jollans said that with services and products targeting the SMB segment, what matters is that the offering provides the best value with the least required upkeep. "You want a package that's all together, and it works," he said.