Linux for China's Fast Growing Software Industry

"The Chinese government plans to throw its financial weight behind Linux-based computer systems that could rival Microsoft Corp's Windows in one of the world's fastest-growing technology markets, an official said on Wednesday," according a to Reuters.

China's decision to build its domestic software industry around Linux will inevitably strength Linux' world presence and market share. China, the country that has the world's second largest economy, with a $6 trillion GDP based on purchasing power parity, surpassed by the United States' $10.1 trillion, now also has a booming IT market, growing at 20 percent a year. According to research house International Data Corp, software sales is expected to reach $30.5 billion in 2005.

In September, 2003, China reached a agreement with Japan and South to collaborate on building a new computer operating system, a la Linux, as an alternative to Windows.

Read the full Reuters report on CNN.