In 1998, IBM recognized the potential of Linux as an open-source operating system, a move that would dramatically reshape the tech giant's future. Initially, Linux was the domain of startups and early e-businesses, far from the enterprise market. IBM, however, foresaw its potential and launched a Linux initiative in September 1998.

This 13-month period was pivotal as it laid the groundwork for IBM's digital transformation, aligning with the rise of hybrid cloud and AI. The initiative began with a diverse strategy team from IBM’s x86 and software businesses. They questioned whether Linux was reliable and secure enough for enterprise use.

To answer this, IBM established an Open Source Program Office and engaged with the Linux community at conferences. By the end of 1999, they were convinced of Linux's potential. A team of programmers in IBM’s Böblingen, Germany, had already started porting Linux to the mainframe.

This initiative gained official support, and by May 2000, IBM launched Linux on the s/390, marking the company's commitment to open-source technology. IBM became the first enterprise IT company to fully embrace Linux, playing a key role in founding the Open Source Development Labs and later the Linux Foundation. This move positioned IBM as a leader in hybrid cloud technology and AI.

Dan Frye, a member of the original IBM Linux strategy team, reflects on how this initiative, born from a handful of strategists and programmers, has positioned IBM as a global leader in hybrid cloud, now partnered with Red Hat. The journey from those initial 13 months to today underscores IBM's ability to adapt and lead in the tech industry.