To: debian-announce@lists.debian.org
Subject: VA Linux Systems, O'Reilly & SGI Sponsor Debian GNU/Linux Retail 
From: "Nils Lohner" <lohner@debian.org>
Date: Tue, 12 Oct 1999 11:56:11 +0200

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Debian Project
http://www.debian.org/
VA Linux Systems, O'Reilly & SGI Sponsor Debian GNU/Linux Retail Product
October 12, 1999
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>> News

VA Linux Systems, O'Reilly & SGI Sponsor Debian GNU/Linux Retail Product

Popular Non-Commercial Linux Distribution Bundled as CD-ROM & Book Package

Atlanta, GA - October 12, 1999 - VA Linux Systems, O'Reilly Associates and 
SGI, Inc. (NYSE:SGI) announced today that the three companies have come 
together to support the Debian Project by sponsoring the introduction of the 
Debian GNU/Linux operating system to major retail stores.  Profits from 
Debian GNU/Linux sales will be donated to Software in the Public Interest, a 
non-profit organization for Open Source projects including Debian.

Debian is currently the most popular "non-commercial" version of the 
Linux(R) operating system, and was voted a LinuxWorld Conference & Expo Show 
Favorite.  Key to Debian's success is its ongoing development by over 500 
volunteer developers worldwide who maintain more than 2500 free software 
packages.

Until now Debian GNU/Linux has been available largely via download from the 
Internet.  The joint effort by VA Linux Systems, O'Reilly and SGI thus marks 
the first time that Debian GNU/Linux will be packaged and made available 
with commercial documentation and add-ons as a major retail product.

"The combined sponsorship of VA, O'Reilly and SGI is a unique effort 
allowing everyone to try the non-commercial Debian distribution," said 
Wichert Akkerman, the current Debian project leader.  "The distribution has 
been built with the loving care of over 500 Debian developers, and we hope 
it will give everyone the same pleasant experience it gives us."

The Debian GNU/Linux package will be offered for a suggested introductory 
price of $19.95, and will consist of a CD of 1440 open source software 
packages, along with Bill McCarty's "Learning Debian GNU/Linux," published 
by O'Reilly.  In addition, the package will include a demo CD version of 
Loki Entertainment's "Myth II: Soulblighter" game software.  In keeping with 
the spirit of Debian, O'Reilly will be making the book freely available 
online under the Open Publication License.

The Debian Project's Internet-based development model has helped the 
distribution achieve unparalleled Internet functionality.  One of the most 
popular features in Debian GNU/Linux is "apt-get," which automates free 
network downloads of all software package updates, making the Debian CD the 
last CD a user would ever need to keep system up-to-date with Linux.

The Debian package sponsored by VA, O'Reilly and SGI will be available 
direct from valinux.com, and through major retail and online stores.  
Debian.org offers support for the distribution through email, web and IRC.  
In addition, VA Linux Systems is sponsoring a commercial support package for 
new Debian GNU/Linux users.

"Debian is currently the second most requested Linux distribution among VA 
Linux Systems customers," said Brian Biles, VA Linux Systems' vice president 
of marketing.  "We applaud the Debian Project for its long, outstanding 
contribution to the Free Software and Open Source communities."

"Debian embodies many of the best practices of open source 
development.Debian's developer community is already the largest in the Linux 
world;  all that it has needed to make it more accessible to new users is 
better documentation, packaging, and distribution," said Tim O'Reilly, CEO 
of O'Reilly & Associates.  "This distribution will jump Debian into the 
first rank not just for hard core Linux developers but for everyone."

"The Open Source development model has resulted in several key 
accomplishments including the creation of Debian/GNU Linux," said Dave 
McAllister, director of strategic technology for SGI. "Together with 
O'Reilly and VA Linux Systems, SGI has ensured greater accessibility to 
quality Linux solutions."


About the Debian Project
------------------------

The Debian Project is comprised of over 500 developers worldwide who are 
committed to excellence in Free Software.  Debian GNU/Linux is the result of 
a volunteer effort to create a free, high-quality UNIX(R)-compatible 
operating system, complete with a suite of applications.  For more 
information on Debian, see http://www.debian.org.


About VA Linux Systems
----------------------

VA Linux Systems, Inc. is a leading provider of Linux-based solutions, 
integrating systems, software and services.  VA Linux's broad-based 
technical expertise in systems and software design, as well as its focus on 
the Linux operating system and other open source solutions, enables the 
company to provide high-quality Linux-based systems designed for optimal 
performance, reliability and scalability.  VA also offers comprehensive 
services and support through its staff of Linux system and software 
engineers.  VA Linux Systems is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., and is 
located on the web at http://www.valinux.com.


About O'Reilly
--------------

O'Reilly & Associates is recognized worldwide for its definitive books on 
open source software, the Internet, programming, Windows NT(R) and UNIX(R) 
operating systems. O'Reilly also produces award-winning Internet software, 
technical conferences, and innovative web-based courses.  From their 
pioneering bestseller The Whole Internet User's Guide & Catalog (designated 
one of 100 Books of the Century by the New York Public Library) to GNN (the 
first Internet portal and commercial website) to WebSite (the first web 
server software for desktop PCs), O'Reilly has been at the forefront of 
Internet development. Information about the company can be found at 
http://www.oreilly.com.


About SGI
---------

SGI provides a broad range of high-performance computing and advanced 
graphics solutions that enable customers to understand and conquer their 
toughest computing problems. Headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., with 
offices worldwide, the company is located on the Web at www.sgi.com.

###

Note to editors:  Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.  UNIX 
is a registered trademark in the United States and other countries, licensed 
exclusively through X/Open Company, Ltd.  Windows NT is a registered 
trademark of Microsoft Corporation.  All other trademarks are property of 
their respective owners.

###

 Contact:

 Eureka Endo
 VA Linux Systems
 (408)542-5754
 eureka@valinux.com

 Donna Sokolsky
 Spark PR for VA Linux Systems
 (650)330-0330 x222
 donna@sparkpr.com

 Lisa Mann
 O'Reilly & Associates
 (707)829-0515 ext 230
 lisam@oreilly.com

 Joany Draeger
 SGI, Inc.
 (650)933-3132
 joanyd@prmachine.corp.sgi.com

 Debian Press Team
 press@debian.org

-- 
Nils Lohner                             E-Mail: lohner@debian.org
Debian Press Team                       Press:  press@debian.org