IBM Will Include Linux OS in Software

International Business Machines Corp. said it will modify its Unix computer system to run programs designed for the Linux operating system, in a boost to the alternative system to Microsoft Corp.’s Windows.

The computer giant also will package Pacific HiTech’s TurboLinux version of Linux with its other software under the agreement with the San Francisco-based company.

IBM said the modification will allow customers of AIX, its version of UNIX, to weave together all their programs with the Web applications on one computer server.

Armonk, N.Y.-based IBM said it will distribute its DB2 database application, which stores large libraries of information, with TurboLinux.

The move follows an agreement IBM made in February with Red Hat Software Inc., the leading U.S. developer and distributor of Linux, to fine-tune computers to run the system.

IBM closed off $6.63 at $223.75 on the New York Stock Exchange.