"Linux is now a prevalent operating system for feature film pipelines,” says Bill Roberts, director of product management for Autodesk's Media & Entertainment Division. “It simplifies the management of large, computerized workgroups and meets the storage and networking requirements for massive, high-quality images."

The Linux operating system has gained popularity at film studios and post facilities in Australia, Europe and North America. Australia's largest post- company, The Omnilab Group, beta tested Toxik on Linux through an installation at The Lab Sydney.

Autodesk anticipates that the Linux Toxik software will be available this winter. North American suggested pricing for each Toxik creative seat, with supporting collaboration infrastructure, is $9,000.