Same as Linux, it only took off because many UNIX shops like IBM saw a value in improving it, while cutting costs on their own.
> 1998: Many major companies such as IBM, Compaq and Oracle announce their support for Linux
> 2000: Dell announces that it is now the No. 2 provider of Linux-based systems worldwide and the first major manufacturer to offer Linux across its full product line
> 2006: Oracle releases its own distribution of Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
> 1998: Many major companies such as IBM, Compaq and Oracle announce their support for Linux
> 2000: Dell announces that it is now the No. 2 provider of Linux-based systems worldwide and the first major manufacturer to offer Linux across its full product line
> 2006: Oracle releases its own distribution of Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
--- https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Linux