From: "Nathan Appleton" <appleton@datapower.com> To: <lwn@lwn.net> Subject: Press Release: LhD: Supporting Resellers who Support Linux. Date: Sat, 22 Apr 2000 01:04:15 -0700 LhD: Supporting Resellers who Support Linux. Linux Hardware Database introduces "LhD: Rated Linux Compatible" Program for Resellers. BOSTON -- April 21, 2000 -- Linux Hardware Database (www.linhardware.com), the premiere resource for Linux hardware ratings, drivers and support, announced the launch of its "LhD: Rated Linux Compatible" program for hardware resellers. The program is intended to help hardware component and systems resellers provide Linux support and compatibility ratings through their existing web storefronts. LhD aims to help both large and small hardware resellers remove the guesswork from buying, installing and supporting hardware devices under Linux. The LhD: Rated Linux Compatible program provides resellers with dynamically updated Linux compatibility scores based on data collected through The Linux Hardware Database and its partner sites. Like the Linux kernel itself, the LhD: Rated Linux Compatible scores are driven by the Linux community. Product ratings come from actual Linux users who contribute product satisfaction reports and configuration suggestions to LhD. Finding hardware devices to use under Windows is trivial. Support and drivers are either provided by Microsoft or the hardware manufacturer. However, Linux requires a community driven support and compatibility rating system. LhD provides a comprehensive Linux hardware support resource and user-driven rating system. The LhD: Rated Linux Compatible program extends the reach of LhD to help resellers provide Linux support to their customers. By embedding the LhD: Rated Linux Compatible scores and links on their web storefronts, resellers are able to offer unbiased ratings from Linux users, driver information and user resources. LhD provides support information needed throughout the ownership cycle, from pre-purchase to installation to on-going support. The LhD: Rated Linux Compatible program is a full-circle Linux support solution for resellers. The program helps the reseller's customers to: 1. decide what to buy based on the compatibility ratings; 2. find the correct drivers using LhD's driver database; 3. share their experience with other Linux users. In addition to helping resellers provide their customers with Linux support and compatibility information, the LhD: Rated Linux Compatible program helps resellers remove guesswork from deciding which hardware to stock and recommend for use under Linux. The program provides resellers with the ability to determine what products to stock and recommend based on actual user ratings and feedback. LhD also has a program to provide Linux community and hardware review sites with the LhD: Rated Linux Compatible product scores. About The Linux Hardware Database LhD is the leading Linux hardware support resource, providing hardware ratings, drivers, specifications, user reports, workarounds and links to related resources. LhD provides users with a comprehensive resource for, deciding what to buy for use under Linux, configuring existing hardware for Linux and sharing their experiences using hardware with Linux. LhD removes the frustration and guess-work from Linux hardware support. For more information on The Linux Hardware Database or the LhD: Linux Compatible program please visit www.linhardware.com or e-mail lhdweb@datapower.com.