Dell confirms desktop Linux expansion

Firm's Linux clients to expand to international and small business markets.

Dell is planning to further expand its offerings of desktop Linux systems, the company's digital media manager Lionel Menchaca said on a company blog.

The computer maker currently only ships Linux desktops and notebooks inside the US and limits those offering to consumers. But Menchaca said that international expansion is in the works, as well as the addition of a small business product line.

Dell customers had flagged both the international expansion and business availability issues.

Dell's commitment to expand the desktop Linux initiative comes at a time that the firm's desktop Linux initiative is facing increasing scrutiny.

The computer maker introduced the Linux systems after users raised the proposals on Dell's Ideastorm website. But critics have argued that social voting services such as Ideastorm have seldom translated to business success.

The movie 'Snakes on a plane' for instance entered gathered a large online fan base before its release, but failed to ring up sales at the box office.

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