Bangalore: IBM Corporation on May 5 indicated that it will raise the pitch for "Linux" and open source software in India, one of the world's major markets, where the chairman of the $ 81 billion global IT major Samuel J Palmisano is on his maiden visit now.

"Palmisano is very upbeat on India...He will discuss with partners, customers and government on the important of Linux as a platform for future growth of the industry," IBM Asia Director External Communications Fred P.McNeese told reporters in Bangalore.

Palmisano began his Asia trip by meeting Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna. During his visit to India, he will meet customers and partners including major IT companies.

He will meet Union Disinvestment and IT Minister Arun Shourie at New Delhi on May 6 and discuss IBM's open source initiatives in e-business, McNeese said.

"Palmisano will discuss with employees, customers and the government on the importance of Linux and how it fits in with e-business on demand and the future of the IT industry," he said.

Palmisano declined to meet the media in Bangalore and IBM officials refused comment on the plans during his India visit.

IBM has a software research lab in New Delhi, software development centre employing 4,000 engineers and a call centre at Information Technology Park Limited with a capacity to house 1,000 people in Bangalore.

IBM India's revenues in 2002 stood at over Rs 1,800 crore.

PTI