SHORT TAKES
HP AND TURBOLINUX TEAM UP
San Diego, CA — TurboLinux, Inc., the high-performance Linux company, announced its partnership with the Hewlett-Packard Company, in order to bundle the TurboLinux operating system on the HP Kayak PC Workstation family, designed for advanced design applications, high-performance 3D graphics and dual processing for optimised multitasking. Under this global partnership, HP will ship the TurboLinux operating system, with all of its HP Kayak Linux systems sold in North America and Europe, effective from 1 September, 2000. HP will provide standard warranty support for its HP Kayak PC Workstations, with TurboLinux providing escalation support on its operating system through HP.
“We design, build, and support Linux solutions for enterprise applications,” said T. Paul Thomas, president and CEO of TurboLinux. “Hewlett-Packard’s high-performance HP Kayak systems, running TurboLinux, deliver the power and reliability that our customers require.” “Hewlett-Packard is committed to delivering robust Linux solutions,” said Jean-Jacques Ozil, Marketing Manager for HP’s Business Desktop Division. “Distributing the TurboLinux operating system with our HP Kayak PC Workstations offers customers the added value of choice, plus performance with Linux tuned for our systems.”
INTRINSYC AND MONTAVISTA ANNOUNCE ALLIANCE
Sunnyvale, CA — Intrinsyc Software, Inc. announced a strategic alliance with MontaVista Software Inc. that will combine research, engineering and marketing expertise to better meet the growing demand among Original Equipment Manufacturers for innovative Linux-based embedded systems. The agreement brings together Intrinsyc, a key provider of embedded solutions and services used to create Internet devices, and MontaVista Software, Inc. the developer of the Hard Hat Linux operating system for embedded applications. As part of the alliance, Intrinsyc and MontaVista will work together to address the requirements of emerging embedded applications, Internet devices, and mobile appliances, while optimizing their respective product offerings to ensure interoperability. The alliance will offer OEMs solutions to meet the demands of the rapidly growing Internet appliance market.
According to a recent IDC report, the worldwide market for information appliances will exceed 89 million units, or $17.8 billion, in 2004, up from a market of 11 million units and $2.4 billion in 1999. The collaboration of Hard Hat Linux, along with technologies such as Intrinsyc’s CerfBoard, offer robust underlying software and hardware architecture for embedded applications. CerfBoard for Linux, Intrinsyc’s latest Internet appliance reference platform based on the StrongARM 1110 microprocessor, is a key example of a ready reference design that aids in rapid deployment for OEMs. This alliance targets information/navigation systems, smart phones, handhelds, and emerging wireless and Internet devices. MontaVista and Intrinsyc will work together to co-market their combined solutions. “Intrinsyc’s alliance with MontaVista gives OEMs a tailored solution to quickly access the opportunities of embedded technology,” said Derek Spratt, president and CEO of Intrinsyc. “This agreement with MontaVista, combined with the recent development of Intrinsyc’s CerfBoard for Linux, offers our customers additional versatility while continuing to extend our software solutions to other platforms. With MontaVista’s Hard Hat Linux, our OEM CerfBoard customers can now benefit from a rich embedded Linux design environment and outstanding technical support options.” Visit http://www.mvista.com for more information.
IBM, RED HAT TIGHTEN LINUX ALLIANCE
San Diego, CA — Red Hat and IBM have tightened their alliance, agreeing to develop and sell new versions of IBM software atop Red Hat’s Linux. Although the deal isn’t an exclusive relationship for either company, it’s the most important Linux pact IBM has signed thus far on its road to weaving Linux into the fabric of the entire company, said Robert LeBlanc, vice president of IBM’s software group. The deal means even more for Red Hat, tiny compared to vast IBM. “It’s the most significant relationship we’ve entered into,” said Paul McNamara, vice president of products and platforms at Durham, N.C.-based Red Hat. “What we do now is work together to tune and optimize IBM’s software portfolio on Linux.” The news is being announced at the LinuxWorld Conference and Expo in San Jose, Calif., a twice-yearly event gaining in corporate sponsorship with each show.
Under the deal, Red Hat and IBM will put funding into a market development fund. Programmers from both companies will work to make sure Red Hat’s version of Linux meshes with several IBM applications: DB2 database software; Lotus Domino for accomplishing group projects; Tivoli management software; WebSphere e-business software; and a small-business pack, or collection of software, for Linux. The joint work will result in new products containing software from both companies and sold by both companies, IBM and Red Hat said. “Initially there will be a rollout of joint products. That will evolve to be an integrated product,” McNamara said. The approach resembles that of Red Hat rival TurboLinux, which has announced versions of its software working with database software from both IBM and Oracle. In addition, Oracle is working with German Linux seller SuSE. IBM also works with other Linux companies. For example, it tapped Caldera Systems with certification help from Linuxcare to craft a version of Linux for IBM’s laptops. IBM also works with SuSE to support Linux in Europe, with MandrakeSoft in France and with TurboLinux in Asia.
CONSTELLATION 3D HAS SIGNED WITH RICOH
New York, N.Y. — Constellation 3D, Inc. (“C3D” or the “company”) announced that C3D has signed with Ricoh a Strategic Alliance Agreement. Under the terms of the Agreement, C3D and Ricoh agreed to enter into Phase 1 for prototype development of WORM discs and drives. Constellation 3D, Inc. develops advanced data storage products including the high capacity, multi-layer FMD discs and ClearCard. The company has offices in New York, Massachusetts, Florida and California, and laboratories in Israel and Russia. Constellation 3D holds or has made applications for over 75 worldwide patents in the field of optical data storage. More information is available at http://www.c-3d.net .
Statements contained in the news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from expected results. The SEC and NASD have not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
AUREMA ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT WITH COMPAQ
Dublin, CA — Aurema Inc. announced an agreement with Compaq Computer Corporation to develop Aurema’s patent-pending ARMTech Resource Management software for Compaq’s Tru64 UNIX operating system. Continuing to deliver industry leading Enterprise Computing functionality, Aurema Pty Ltd. and Compaq Computer Corporation have entered into an agreement that will enable Aurema’s latest UNIX Resource Management capabilities to be incorporated into future Tru64 UNIX operating system releases. Compaq will include Aurema’s ShareExpress entry level RM utility with every copy of Tru64 UNIX, and Aurema will offer ShareExtra and ShareEnterprise to customers with additional RM requirements. The scope of the agreement includes joint development, solutions engineering, and marketing. Compaq and Aurema will collaborate to offer Aurema’s ARMTech products, ShareExtra and ShareEnterprise on the full range of Compaq’s AlphaServer platforms. ARMTech will enable customers to control the OS resources such as CPU (processes and usage), and Real Memory Resident Set Size across users, groups of users and applications. ARMTech enables large scale consolidation of applications onto servers, thousands of web sites to run side by side, and ASPs to offer guaranteed service levels to customers.
“Aurema is delighted to announce that Compaq’s Tru64 UNIX will be the first platform for our new Active Resource Management products,” said Richard Osborne, CEO & President of Aurema Inc. “Following the global success of ShareII, Aurema’s last generation Resource Management utility, we look forward to offering customers greater ease of use, better control, and more functionality with our next generation product, ARMTech.” For additional information about the Compaq and Aurema partnership, see http://www.compaq.com/partners/aurema .
SGI ANNOUNCES NEW OPENGL LICENSING PROGRAM
San Jose, CA — SGI announced a new licensing program for use by open source developers and vendors. The new license will allow use of the OpenGL logo and trademark free of charge for OpenGL implementations that run on open source platforms. Implementations must pass the same strict set of conformance tests as commercially licensed implementations, and the results will be reported on SGI’s Web site. Earlier this year, SGI released the source code to its Sample Implementation of the OpenGL API under an open source license.
“The open sourcing of the Sample Implementation and now the usage of the trademark and logo free of charge on open source platforms will allow rapid growth of conformant applications in the LINUX space,” said Bill Mannel, OpenGL Product Manager, SGI. “This new trademark and logo usage guideline continues SGI’s long-standing support of the open source community,” said Kurt Akeley, cofounder and CTO, SGI. “It also underscores the bright future we see for premier 3D applications in the Linux marketplace.” “The announcement today will propel the broad development of OpenGL class applications on Linux, with a large set of non-commercial developers now being able to leverage the OpenGL brand free of charge,” said Sarang Ghatpande, analyst for D.H. Brown Associates, Inc. Visit http://www.sgi.com for more information.
FDC FORMS STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIP WITH EMC
Bethesda, MD. — Federal Data Corporation (FDC) announced that it has formed a strategic relationship with EMC on the Air Force IT2 Networking Products BPA. This relationship enhances a strategic focus started a year ago by both companies. FDC can now bring EMC’s complete line of Enterprise Storage, Enterprise Storage Networking, Storage Area Network (SAN), and Network Attached Storage (NAS) products to the Air Force and other federal government entities. This relationship provides a crucial link in FDC’s offerings on this BPA, fulfilling the major mission-critical information storage requirements for a Secure, Well-Managed, Multiservice Enterprise. This addition allows FDC to offer the full range of best-of-breed products to support this initiative.
“We are especially excited about this partnership,” says Rene LaVigne, Senior Vice President of FDC’s Systems and Technology Group, “Networking and storage management solutions are significant elements of our internet infrastructure solutions focus which seeks to integrate sophisticated products into sophisticated IT environments. With FDC’s analysis, design and integration expertise, as well as knowledge of Federal Government IT needs, and EMC’s first in class technology, this contract promises to offer significant opportunities to forward-thinking Air Force IT departments.” “Our customers have confirmed that information now rests squarely at the center of their IT infrastructures,” said Steve Alferis, General Manager of EMC’s Federal Systems Group. “With FDC’s presence within the Air Force and EMC’s strategic IT offerings, we’re extending the reach and increasing the value both EMC and FDC bring in helping our joint customers build out their infrastructures to best manage all their information.”
MOTOROLA & RED HAT TEAM UP
San Jose, CA — Motorola Computer Group, part of Motorola’s Integrated Electronic Systems Sector (IESS) and the leading provider of carrier-grade embedded computing platforms for high-availability telecommunication applications, and Red Hat Inc., a leader in open source Internet infrastructure, have teamed to help make Linux ready for telecom applications designed to run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Under terms of the agreement, announced at Linux World Expo, Motorola will package and market Red Hat’s industry-leading and award-winning Red Hat Linux operating system with Motorola’s Advanced High-Availability Software for Linux (HA-Linux) offering, which will be shipped with Motorola’s carrier-grade high-availability embedded computing platforms.
This means the thousands of software tools and application enablers supported on Red Hat Linux are now available to telecom OEMs building wireless, wireline and Internet infrastructure applications such as operation administration & maintenance (OA&M) platforms, call servers, IP gateways and home location registers. With more than 50 percent share of the Linux server operating system market, according to International Data Corp., Red Hat Linux is the top choice for companies wanting a reliable open source operating system. The demand for applications built on Red Hat Linux has helped create Linux support from many of the industry’s leading software suppliers, including Computer Associates, IBM, Netscape, Oracle and SAP.
STEELEYE HELPS SYSTEMS INTEGRATOR PROVIDE LINUX SOLUTIONS
San Jose, CA — SteelEye Technology Inc., a leading provider of reliability platforms for Linux-based applications, announced a systems integrator partnership with Sierra Associates. Sierra Associates provides corporate IT users with end-to-end enterprise solutions for eCommerce and eBusiness initiatives. The agreement announced at the LinuxWorld Conference & Expo in San Jose, enables Sierra Associates to add SteelEye’s commercially proven high availability LifeKeeper for Linux software to its comprehensive portfolio of Linux-based server and networking product offerings. Sierra Associates has established a strong customer base in the San Francisco Bay area, where it serves corporate users ranging from small e-commerce businesses to large enterprises. Working with SteelEye, Sierra Associates is now able to offer LifeKeeper for Linux as part of a fully integrated server solution for Sendmail and Apache Web server environments.
“By incorporating SteelEye’s LifeKeeper for Linux into our full line of server, networking, and information storage products, corporate customers can be assured that their enterprise-critical systems and applications will provide the highest standards of availability, reliability and performance,” said Truman Roe, VP of operations for Sierra Associates, Inc. “Companies concerned with quality products, timely response, competitive pricing and customer service will benefit from our partnership with SteelEye.” SteelEye’s LifeKeeper for Linux is a commercially proven, high availability clustering solution that provides fault resilience to support business and mission critical applications. Maintaining the high availability of eCommerce applications, LifeKeeper delivers a low cost, industrial strength reliability platform for enterprise eBusinesses. With LifeKeeper, IT professionals can easily implement 24×7 fail-safe recovery of their eBusiness applications and services, ensuring consistent service levels for their customers, partners, and employees.
RED HAT AND CROSSTOR TEAM UP
South Plainfield, N.J. — Red Hat, Inc., a leader in open source Internet infrastructure, and CrosStor Software, Inc. announced a strategic agreement surrounding CrosStor’s network-attached storage software (CrosStor NAS) and eCos, Red Hat’s open source real-time operating system (RTOS). CrosStor will port its CrosStor NAS software to Red Hat eCos. This partnership will enable CrosStor’s NAS customers to capitalize on Red Hat’s POSIX-compatible EL/IX interface. “CrosStor is a leader in network-attached storage software that is revolutionizing storage performance,” said Michael Tiemann, CTO of Red Hat, Inc. “This agreement is significant because it speeds time-to-market for OEMs and storage vendors, and brings higher performance and high availability to our customers building NAS solutions.”
“CrosStor is embracing the open source movement to provide our customers with an underlying runtime solution that takes advantage of eCos and its highly configurable architecture,” said Gordon Harris, vice president of R&D and CTO of CrosStor. “By both companies working together strategically, our customers can expect a rich and continually expanding set of open source runtime solutions and development tools, and the benefits of a platform that offers application compatibility with Linux.” One of the key technological innovations of eCos is the degree to which it is configurable. eCos has well over 200 points of configuration, which allows eCos to meet the requirements of a wide variety of embedded applications. The full eCos sources are freely available at http://sources.redhat.com/ecos . For further product information, please go to http://www.redhat.com/products/ecos .
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