IBM moves to support Linux-based applications work with plans to
acquire cross-platform processor code conversion specialist
Transitive.
Transitive is a US-based company with a research and development
team in Manchester.
Its specialisation is cross-platform virtualization, which
allows applications written for one type of microprocessor and
operating system to run on multiple platforms.
This is seen as an important capability for developers looking
to move Linux-based applications onto the
IBM
systems.
Transitive, which originally was a spin-out from research at the
University of Manchester in 2000, made its name offering CPU
translation and optimisation software for legacy x86-based
platforms allowing them to run on Mips architectures.
It has worked on code conversion for ARM and PowerPC processors.
In 2005, its technology also helped Apple migrate its whole
computer range from PowerPC to Intel x86 processors.
Transitive technology is currently included as part of the IBM
PowerVM software designed to help customers consolidate their x86
Linux workloads onto IBM Systems.