IBM has found something else to do with Linux. Its Lotus software operation is going into the hardware business – it’s concocted a Linux-based server appliance for e-mail, calendaring and its OpenOffice-based Symphony software for SMBs called IBM Lotus Foundations Start.

And it comes complete with VMware hypervisor so it can run Windows software if needs be.

Just so there's the appropriate level of detachment VMware's supposed to support any Windows users under pilot they're running and IBM remarks that "even if the Windows operating system crashes, the business can still access the core capabilities of Lotus Foundations without rebooting." Its operations are designed to continue uninterrupted.

ISVs can port Domino application to the thing. And it can be maintained remotely.

The Linux is a 100MB kernel stored on a solid-state chi and IBM says that if two disks failed, the widget would still boot up with network, firewall, VPN and user accounts completely operational.

The price tag for five users reads $3,348, according to the Boston Globe. It's supposed to be able to accommodate 500 users.

Availability is set for next month.

IBM announced the widgetry a couple of days ahead of Microsoft wheeling out its Small Business Server 2008, which it disses along with its "security patches, emergency fixes and operating system upgrades."

IBM Lotus Foundations, it preens, eliminates patch management and the downtime and labor associated with upgrades.

When an update is available, the system downloads the latest Linux operating system in minutes. Even major upgrades only take a single click. There is no need for an on-site IT support visit or planning tools.

It's also got a "system restore" button that's supposed to recover core functions in the event of complete system failure, and it's got built-in backup.