Loopy for Linux?

The floodgates are open at the Defense Department for purveyors of open source software to give companies such as Microsoft Corp. a run for their money.

In May, Defense Chief Information Officer John Stenbit issued a memorandum that endorsed departmentwide purchase of the software, which allows users to change and then redistribute its source code, the software's "DNA." Open source advocates believe sharing those codes improves the design, leading to better operating systems.

While the Defense policy stopped short of endorsing open source software, it paves the way for Defense agencies to buy, use and develop it.

To software makers such as Microsoft that keep their codes secret, open source technology is a threat. In June, CEO Steve Ballmer told employees that, to his chagrin, the support of open source technology-specifically the Linux operating system-by companies such as IBM Corp. has "added credibility" to open source devotees' claims of superiority.

One of Linux's main selling points has been cost: Many users presume it's free, because its source code is openly distributed. But private sector executives have reported being handed big bills for enterprise versions of Linux that sit on their mainframes, calling into question whether Defense users would be so quick to throw their Windows out the window.