"This isn't just five guys around the world" developing a Linux client for Notes as an open-source project, Keldsen said."This is IBM, and they're pouring money into this."

Coupled with the news last week that Microsoft Corp. will back an open-source project to create software allowing Microsoft Office users to open and save files in OpenDocument format (ODF) "Microsoft" to back Office-to-ODF plug-in", the Linux Notes client announcement is "pretty good" for prospective Linux desktop users, he said.

Michael Osterman, president of Osterman Research Inc. in Black Diamond, Wash., said the Lotus move addresses one of the hurdles that has slowed desktop Linux adoption in the corporate world -- a lack of critical business applications.

"Certainly, this is a major step forward with helping those organizations understand that they can go to desktop Linux and have major applications" that they need, Osterman said. "When people are given the opportunity to adopt a top-tier client, it gives them much more opportunity."

Amy Wohl, an analyst at Wohl Associates in Narberth, Pa., said the Notes announcement could have a greater impact at companies where technology refreshes are under way. She said companies where the software might be most welcomed include call centers, bank operations and similar situations where Microsoft Office applications aren't needed.