Club Linux Coffs Harbour

NEW YORK--IBM nearly recouped the $1 billion it said it invested in the Linux operating system in 2001, the head of IBM's four server groups is expected to announce Wednesday.

Big Blue said more than a year ago that it would invest $1 billion in Linux--spending money on tasks such as bringing the Unix clone to its full line of servers, bringing its broad software portfolio to Linux, training its services and consulting personnel, and placing advertisements such as full-page ads in major daily newspapers.