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Originally Posted by kurichan
Is there a significant, potentially profitable market for such an effort?
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Yes. Consider a few things such as Microsoft admitting that Linux developers Novell and Red Hat are their main competition not only on the server end but also for desktops. This is especially noticed in the Enterprise market but with Linux gaining more support for personal use it's becoming more common place. Another point to consider is that Microsoft recently signed a deal with Novell to work towards better Windows/Linux interoperability allowing consumers more flexibility and ease of migrating between both OS. For example Novell including OpenXML support for OpenOffice in SLED. The last point is that most consumers would agree when comparing the cost of Linux vs Windows the desktop is far more low cost on the Linux side than with Windows. OpenSUSE for example which is a community based version of SUSE Linux is free and relies on community support. Where as SLED from Novell is for those looking for Enterprise support included for lower cost than either Windows XP or Windows Vista. Since RIM has been able to work with Novell to release blackberry support for the Enterprise market then they should be able to do the same for personal desktop consumers as well.