IBM is looking to lure customers with a bundle of Linux, virtualization and its Lotus collaboration software as an alternative to Microsoft desktop software during the recession.

IBM joined forces with Virtual Bridges and Canonical Dec. 4 to offer a virtual desktop package comprised of three software components that sit on one corporate server. The bundle, billed as "Microsoft free," is then provisioned to hundreds or even thousands of desktops.

IBM Global Services is reselling the package for Virtual Bridges, which charges $49 per seat for a 1,000-seat deployment. Additional volume discounts are available via Virtual Bridges.

The package includes the VERDE virtual desktop client from Virtual Bridges; Ubuntu Linux operating system from Canonical; and IBM's Open Collaboration Client Solution software, a suite thatis based on IBM Lotus Symphony, IBM Lotus Notes, and Lotus applications.

The whole idea is to untether corporate users, who are becoming increasingly mobile or "deskless," from ties to specific machines. In the process, IBM aims to replace Microsoft's Windows operating system and Office productivity apps.

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