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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.