Using the Linux based Merlin Patient Care System, doctors can program and monitor St. Jude brand implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and pace-makers.

The new machine is just one more example of the versatility of the Linux operating system. Its stability and rich programming tools, allowed IBM to develop a custom interface that was quick and easy to use.

Rob Reilly is a consultant, trend spotter, and writer. He is a contributing editor for LinuxToday. He advises clients on portable computing, presentation technology, and business process integration. You can visit his web page at http://home.earthlink.net/~robreilly.

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