Hewlett-Packard Adds Linux to Servers

Hewlett-Packard Co. is including the Linux operating system in its fastest servers for the first time to court large companies that are trying to cut computing costs.

Hewlett-Packard began running Linux, which is gaining as a cheaper alternative to Microsoft Corp.’s Windows, on its full line of servers a year earlier than planned, said Martin Fink, vice president of Linux at the Palo Alto-based company. Servers run websites and data networks.

Shares of Hewlett-Packard rose 22 cents to $20.37 on the NYSE.