<A target="_blank" href="http://news.techworld.com/virtualisation/3210826/microsoft-free-virtual-desktop-startup-gets-4m-funding/?olo=rss">IBM is providing $4 million to Virtual Bridges to build and market a Linux-based desktop</A> as an alternative to Windows 7. The virtual desktop software would work with IBM's applications such as Lotus Symphony, Sametime, and Notes.