IBM's focus is on growing its alternative platforms - more users - not more tech. Tech is necessary but not sufficient. It makes sense to partner with Ubuntu if

IBM's focus is on growing its alternative platforms - more users - not more tech. Tech is necessary but not sufficient. It makes sense to partner with Ubuntu if you want to focus on growing communities. "typical adware" - heh heh! Seriously, in the consumer space everyone wants "free" so affiliate marketing is a sensible route - see the consumer internet for evidence. In the enterprise markets customers are focused on delivery outside the pure bits - open source bits are necessary but not sufficient - subscriptions such as Ubuntu Advantage with SLA's, management frameworks and consulting are viable there.