IBM announced that they have committed $1 billion to convince its customers to use Linux - a freely available open source OS that competes with Windows, according to The Wall Street Journal's Don Clark.

This is not the first time IBM is promoting Linux. They did so back in 2000 as well. Microsoft spent years trying to scare customers away from Linux, at one point even saying that Linux violates 235 patents and hinting that enterprises using it could be sued.

While Linux may have become the operating system of choice for the world's biggest, fastest computers and huge Internet companies, it hasn't killed the Windows Server just yet.

Linux servers command 23% of new server purchases by enterprises. Servers running Microsoft? 49% according to the IDC's latest quarterly server report.

How will IBM make Linux sexy? And will they be able to steer customers in their direction? What do you think?