International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) Tuesday signed a memorandum with Guangdong Province for joint efforts to launch its second Linux technology support center in China, following the setting up of the first one in Beijing in June.

The center will provide software testing, project and technology management services, and professional training courses, according to IBM.

Linux, a server and personal computer operating system now in popular use worldwide, is of great use for the development of China's software industry due to its openness, security and lower cost.

China's governmental organizations and units have increased the use of Linux since its introduction in 2001.

The launch of the center will help promote the use of Linux in local government's projects based on information technology, said Xu Zhibiao, director of the Guangdong Provincial Information Industry Department.

(Xinhua News Agency September 23, 2003)