Where will it end? Or has it just begun? Everyday we find five or ten companies that are now the "leading providers" of Linux solutions in their particluar field.
Let us take a look at a few examples from today:

<1.>"GoAhead(R) Software, the leading provider of off-the-shelf management solutions...
is shipping GoAhead WebServer(TM) with their recently announced Hard Hat(TM) Linux(R)..."

<2.>"Merlin Software Technologies, a leading provider of Linux and Unix based software applications, today announced the signing of an ISV Business Partner Agreement with Caldera Systems Inc..."

<3.>"Etnus, a leading supplier of parallel application debuggers for the traditional UNIX
and Linux markets..."

<4.>"Enhanced Software Technologies, Inc., the leader in Linux-based backup and restore software..."

<5.>"1mage Software, Inc., a leading provider of electronic imaging systems for UNIX, Linux..."

<6.>"Micro$oft, a leading provider in Linux based..."

Well, maybe not that last one but it seems that everyone and their mother is now a "leading provider." Are these companies sincerely offering valuable Linux products, or are they just trying to jump on the IPO bandwagon? Let's take a look:

<1.> After some research it was found that GoAhead Software does indeed exist, as does Hard Hat Linux (how original). It seems that Hard Hat linux is developed by MontaVista Software. In an interview on LinuxDevices.com, the CEO of MontaVista says that, "The differentiation between Hard Hat Linux and 'standard Linux' will become increasing pronounced over the next few months. I might mention that in the last month alone, we've added 20 software engineers who are busily engaged in this process."

Fear not though, because Hard Hat is available via subscription -
"The base level is $5,000 per year, per developer."
It will also be GPL'ed:
"RL: How much of what you're developing at MontaVista will you
release as GPL open-source software?

Jim: All of it! Read my lips: 'We believe in this model!'"

<2.> Merlin Software Technologies? I won't cover this one in depth - just visit their
website and I think you will agree that they are hardly a "leading provider." I found two applications, a fax program, and something called PerfectBackup+. Word of warning: their Flash enhanced site is not safe for graphically-challanged browsers.

<3.> Etnus seems to match the "leading supplier of parallel application debuggers" tag. Although not without a price.

<4.> Enhanced Software Technologies recently won Best of Show at the LinuxWorld Expo for its BRU ( Backup Restore Utility).

<5.> And the winner of the bandwagon award is... 1mage! a company that
"transparently integrates imaging functionality into a multitude of environments in the most cost-effective manner..." This is why they boast over 7,000 users.

Conclusion: It is apparent that most of these companies actually do have a product that is somehow integrated with Linux. It is also clear that these companies are trying to cash in on the Linux hype by porting their proprietary software to Linux and offering "Linux-based solutions." Is this A Good Thing(tm)? That's for you to decide.