See also: last week's Commerce page.

Linux and Business

Scientific Computing Associates and Cluster systems. Scientific Computing Associates (SCA) has been around since 1980. From the start they have focused on high-performance, distributed computing. To get into the Linux market, SCA has established strategic partnerships with several Linux companies.

Earlier alliances had one or both of the SCA products - Linda and Paradise - included with a Linux distribution, including Red Hat 6.2 and Terra Soft Solutions' Yellow Dog and Black Lab releases.

Now Atipa has announced the availability of a new line of Beowulf cluster systems. The "Ascendance" series, aimed at high-end number-crunching applications is priced starting at $13K. Found in this press release is this statement about Atipa's partnership with SCA. "As a result of Atipa's strategic partnership with Scientific Computing Associates (SCA), the Ascendance clusters come bundled free-of-charge with a 4-node Linux version of Linda(R), SCA's powerful enabling program that allows Atipa's customers to more easily "parallelize" their existing applications, saving both time and money."

In a related press release Atipa announced that it has joined "The Linda Club", a new partnership initiative for Beowulf resellers sponsored by (SCA).

SCA's most recent partnership is with TurboLinux, announcing that SCA will distribute and support TurboLinux's clustering products.

Eric Raymond's Open letter to Carly Fiorina. Eric Raymond has sent out an open letter to Carly Fiorina, CEO of Hewlett-Packard. "Whether you [switch to Linux] or open-source HP-UX itself won't be an easy decision. The community would accept either choice; but I suggest to you that joining the Linux coalition certainly represents HP's best chance of maintaining a market position free of Microsoft's strangling grip."

Red Hat, North Carolina State Univ. establish open source university. North Carolina State University in Raleigh will be standardizing their entire college of engineering on open source technologies, according to a joint announcement made by the University and Red Hat. Red Hat bigwigs Erik Troan and Donnie Barnes are NC State alumni.

Lutris releases Enhydra Wireless. Lutris has announced the release of Enhydra Wireless, a version of its open source application server aimed at mobile users.

New Lineo S-1 filing. It looks like Lineo's IPO process may be picking up again. The company has filed an amended S-1 registration form (1.3MB of legalese), which suggests that the offering date is getting closer. For the most part it's just an updating of the information from the first time around. They now state an intention to raise $60 million; they are up to 265 employees; revenue was $3.8 million in the first nine months of the year, and they lost $14 million in that time. A couple of interesting new things to be found in there this time around: they are working on a Crusoe port of Embedix, and they now list Caldera Systems as a potential competitor.

There is also now mention of a directed share program, but no information on how it might work.

Helius patents satellite-to-LAN communications. Helius, owned by the Canopy Group, has announced that the US PTO will allow it to patent its satellite Internet router technology. The announcement is somewhat vague at this point, and the patent does not yet appear in the public databases, so it's hard to say what the situation really is. "'We extend congratulations to Helius on the official ownership of this intellectual property,' said Ransom Love, president and chief executive of Caldera Systems, Inc."

Accelr8 offers OpenVMS migration toolkit. Anybody out there still using VMS? The folks at Accelr8 have announced the availability of the "MIGR8 OpenVMS" conversion toolkit for Linux just for you...

Press Releases:

Open Source Products

• Bowstreet (PORTSMOUTH, N.H.) announced their Java-based implementation of UDDI, an emerging standard for finding and using any company's web-based services. The implementation, called jUDDI is available immediately.

• CynApps (SANTA CLARA, Calif.) added to the EDA community's open-source toolbox by making its Cyn++ macro preprocessor available under an open-source license.

• Jabber.com, Inc. (DENVER) announced that the Jabber Open Source Project has surpassed 50 active sub-projects, all focused on extending functionality of the Jabber real-time XML instant messaging platform.

• Synopsys, Inc. (MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.) announced it is releasing technology enhancements to the open source Liberty format and providing new open source parsers for Synopsys Design Constraints (SDC) and Liberty formats.

Commercial Products for Linux

• Blue World Communications, Inc. (BELLEVUE, WA) announced Lasso Lite 3.6.5 for Red Hat Linux, which supports direct connectivity to MySQL.

• Caldera Systems Inc. (OREM, Utah) announced the certification of Oracle8i database on Caldera OpenLinux eServer 2.3.

• Eclipsys Corporation (DELRAY BEACH, Fla.) announced that it has released version 3.0 of its eWebIT family of Web-based enterprise application integration (EAI) products. eWebIT 3.0 supports Linux.

• Finite State Machine Labs Inc. (FSMLabs) and Quanser Inc. (Socorro, New Mexico; Markham, Canada) announced that they are joining together to support Quanser's SimulinuxRT (SLX) products on RTLinux.

• Hyperion (SUNNYVALE, Calif.) announced it has delivered the Essbase OLAP Server to the Linux platform.

• Merlin Software Technologies International Inc. (BURNABY, B.C.) announced the release of PerfectBACKUP+ v7.0 Beta release for RedHat 6.2 and 7.0.

• SteelEye Technology Inc. (SAN FRANCISCO) showcased LifeKeeper for Linux on Intel's IA-64 at The Intel Exchange Expo.

Products Using Linux

• Compaq Computer Corporation (HOUSTON) offers developers access to an IA64 system running Linux. Take it for a test drive.

• Computer Associates International, Inc. (ISLANDIA, N.Y. and TOKYO) announced that Seiko Precision has selected CA's Ingres II relational DBMS to support its Linux-based building facilities management system, BUILTALK-LX.

• Dell (ROUND ROCK, Texas) claims that it is the first server vendor to showcase 64-bit enterprise applications running in a real world environment on the Linux operating system.

• Linuxcare Labs has recently certified a number of systems/components for compatibility with Linux, including the IBM ThinkPads A20m, T21, and X20, as well as the Ecrix VXA1-e Tape Drive.

• LinuxWizardry Systems, Inc. (VANCOUVER, B.C.) teamed up with Information Highway.com, Inc. to launch multi-user DSL service in North America with several ISP companies.

• TurboLinux has followed Red Hat and SuSE in announcing its support for the entire IBM eServer line.

• Vianet Technologies (PLANO, Texas) announced the release of Power Zoom Version 1.1.0, a software-based image enhancement and delivery system (based on Red Hat Linux 6.2) for Internet and e-commerce applications.

Products with Linux Versions

• ActiveState (ATLANTA, GA) announced the release of PerlMx, a tool that enables system administrators to create customized mail scripts.

• Attachmate Corporation (BELLEVUE, Wash.) announced the release of Attachmate e-Vantage Host Access Server 2.3, the latest version of Attachmate's Web-based host access management solution.

• Connex (SAN JOSE, Calif.) announced that a free trial of its SANavigator software, a solution for managing complex storage networks, is now available for download.

• Dirig Software, Inc. (ORLANDO, Fla.) announced version 2.0 of its core Proctor technology, which serves as the basis for Dirig's xSPress, RelyENT and Proctor applications and systems management solutions for service providers, enterprises and OEMs respectively.

• EndRun Technologies (SANTA ROSA, Calif.) began shipping its new Praecis timing products based on cellular wireless CDMA technology.

• Firstwave Technologies, Inc. (ATLANTA) announced the launch of its flagship offering, eRM with u.Dialog, a customer relationship management (CRM) solution.

• Geodesic Systems (CHICAGO) announced the general availability of its new Geodesic REMIDI software product, which automatically addresses system availability issues.

• Hewlett-Packard Company (PALO ALTO, Calif.) announced that Linux support has been added for its Chai Appliance Platform, a suite of integrated software components for creating Internet-enabled information appliances.

• ILOG (MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.) announced the release of ILOG Concert Technology, a C++ optimization modeling library and interface.

• Innovative Electronics, Inc. (ENGLEWOOD, N.J.) has developed a browser-based Electronic Journal for the retail environment.

• Integrated Research Pty Ltd (SYDNEY, Australia) announced the release of PROGNOSIS 7.04, a significant upgrade to its systems and application management software suite.

• Internet Security Systems (ATLANTA) announced the availability of 98 new security risk definitions included in four separately released X-Press Updates to its SAFEsuite security management software platform.

• NetSetGo (ROCHESTER, N.Y.) announced the v-Server and z-Server, product packages designed to meet the specific Web site and application hosting needs of small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) in under-served markets. There is a z-Server - Linux package which includes dual Intel Pentium III processors, Hewlett-Packard LPR2000 server-class hardware, 512 Mb RAM and the Red Hat Linux 6.2 Operating System.

• Network Appliance (SUNNYVALE, Calif.) and Sybase, Inc. announced certification and support of NetApp storage appliances in Sybase Adaptive Server Enterprise (ASE) environments.

• Parthus Technologies PLC (SAN JOSE, Calif. and DUBLIN, Ireland) announced the launch of InfoStream, a Mobile-Internet computing platform on a single chip, co-developed with Psion PLC.

• Selectica Inc. (SAN JOSE, Calif.) announced the immediate availability of ACE 4.5, an Internet-based system that simplifies and accelerates the process of selecting, configuring, pricing, and purchasing of complex products and services across all sales channels.

• Sphera Corporation (LAS VEGAS) announced the availability of Sphera HostingDirector 3.0, a software platform to address the mission-critical IT needs of the hosting provider industry.

• SpiderCache Inc. (VANCOUVER, B.C.) announced the beta availability of SpiderCache Unix, for Solaris and Linux servers.

• VCIX (NEW YORK) introduced its Cortra Site Studio software to the web development market.

• Virtual Unlimited (VELDHOVEN, The Netherlands) announced Beeyond 1.0, a secure platform for applications over the Internet, is on sale now.

• Workstation Solutions, Inc. (AMHERST, N.H. and FREMONT, Calif.) have tested and qualified Workstation Solution's Quick Restore for the new VA Linux 9205 NAS system.

• ZoomON (SAN JOSE, Calif.) announced ZoomON Vizit, an online solution that dynamically converts images from native to viewer-ready format for a wide variety of input and output file formats.

Java Products

• Lutris Technologies Inc. (SAN FRANCISCO) announced that it will showcase Lutris Enhydra 3.0, the commercially supported Open Source Java/XML Wireless application server at the Intel eXCHANGE Expo.

• NQL (SANTA ANA, Calif.) announced beta availability of a Java version of its Network Query Language that has been qualified for the Linux operating system.

Books and Training

• Lineo added training to its hard real-time Linux offerings with the announcement of development and implementation training services. "The three-day training course, which costs $795, will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Nov. 7-9 in Herndon, Virginia."

• O'Reilly (SEBASTOPOL, CA) has released Building Oracle XML Applications by Steve Muench. This book gives a detailed look at the many Oracle tools that support XML development; including the Oracle XML Parser, the Oracle XML SQL Utility, and the XSQL Servlet.

• O'Reilly (SEBASTOPOL, CA) announced PC Hardware in a Nutshell, a comprehensive, concise guide to buying, building, upgrading, and repairing Intel-based PCs, for novices and seasoned professionals alike.

• SSC has announced the launch of the "Embedded Linux Journal." It will be a print magazine, distributed in a controlled-circulation "trade rag" manner. The first issue comes out in January.

Partnerships

• Breakaway Solutions, Inc. (BOSTON) and ArsDigita Corporation, a developer of open-source software solutions for collaborative commerce, announced a joint relationship that will significantly enhance the services provided to existing and prospective customers.

• Forlink Software Corp. Inc. (BEIJING) announced that it had joined HP's Mobile E-Services Bazaar as an application and solutions provider.

• Knox Software (CARLSBAD, Calif.) announced that Intel Corp. will package the Knox flagship product, Arkeia with the Intel NetStructure 1010 and 1020 Hosting Appliances.

• LinuxWizardry Systems, Inc., a Linux company specializing in network appliances and enterprise computing, announced a strategic alliance with sangoma.com, a company that develops, manufactures and markets wide area network (WAN) connectivity hardware and software products for networks and Internet infrastructure.

• Merlin Software Technologies (BURNABY, British Columbia) announced the signing of an OEM Agreement with Caldera Systems Inc. As part of the agreement, Caldera Systems and Merlin are offering a special promotional bundle of Caldera eServer and Caldera eDesktop bundled with PerfectBackup+.

• Metro Link Inc.(FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.) has joined OnCore Systems Corp. in a strategic relationship to provide a complete graphical solution to customers in the mission-critical and avionics community requiring robust platforms and FAA RTCA/EUROCAE DO-178B certification. Metro Link's X Window System server can be implemented with the OnCore Operating System in its embedded Linux capacities.

• Nitrosoft LINUX, Inc. (OTTAWA, ON) announced it has joined the MSP Association, an international consortium of companies that was formed to define, shape and promote the emerging Management Service Provider sector.

• PostgreSQL, Inc. (SAN FRANCISCO) and enTRUST Solutions, LLC met during the Oracle Openworld conference to formally join forces on database, product, application and market developments.

• Spintek Gaming Technologies Inc. (LAS VEGAS) announced that it has entered into an agreement with Shuffle Master Inc. licensing Spintek to utilize Shuffle Master's Linux-based operating system for game development.

• Sun Wah Hi-Tech Group (Hong Kong) announced in Shenzhen it has become a strategic shareholder of RedFlag Software Co. Ltd. to promote the homegrown software and OS industry internationally. SWHT was previously named the first RedFlag-authorized dealer in Asia, certified to run the first RedFlag Linux Training and Technical Centre in the region.

• SuSE Linux (SEOUL, REPUBLIC OF KOREA and NUREMBERG, GERMANY) announced a joint venture with Information Network Center Co, Ltd., a South Korean IT Company. Together, they are launching SuSE Linux Korea Co. Ltd. based in Seoul, Korea.

• Tricord Systems, Inc. announced a strategic partnerships with Linuxcare to provide consulting, testing and development services for Tricord's server appliances, along with providing professional servers to Tricord on Samba.

• TurboLinux, Inc. (SAN FRANCISCO) announced a partnership with Cylinux Clustering Technologies to develop Icarus, a TurboLinux-based turnkey ISP solution to be deployed at one of the largest ISPs in the Mediterranean.

Investments and Acquisitions

• TeamLinux Corporation (AUSTIN, Texas) announced that Silicon Valley Bank has provided TeamLinux Corporation with a $1 million line of credit to support its accelerating growth.

• Trustix has announced the completion of a NOK 25 million funding round, headed up by Convexa Capital.

Personnel

• Lineo, Inc. (LINDON, Utah) announced the appointment of Richard Larsen as the senior vice president of Lineo's worldwide sales operations. Lineo also announced the appointment of John Mezinko as vice president of Americas sales and Paul Ray as director of worldwide product sales.

• Merlin Software Technologies International Inc. (BURNABY, British Columbia) has completed a number of infrastructure changes designed to better position the company for future growth. In addition to the expansion of the company's offices and engineering departments, the company will be accepting two new members to the Board of Directors.

• Rebel.com announced the appointment of Solly Patrontasch as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO).

• TurboLinux, Inc. (SAN FRANCISCO) announced that Sybase, Inc. Chairman, CEO and President John S. Chen was named to the company's board of directors.

Linux At Work

• Hiscom (Leiden, the Netherlands) has switched over to Linux for their HIS (hospital information system). The "Vlietland" hospital based in Schiedam (near Rotterdam) was the most recent convert to the Linux HIS system.

Other

• eOn Communications Corporation (KENNESAW, Ga.) announced that its Linux-based eNterprise communications server has received the TMC Labs Innovation Award from Communications Solutions magazine.

• IDC (FRAMINGHAM, Mass.) predicts that the worldwide packaged software market is well positioned for strong growth through 2004. "In terms of operating environments, the big news is Linux. IDC expects strong growth on Linux, especially in the applications development and deployment software segment. In this market, Linux's revenues will increase at a CAGR of almost 183%. Despite the strong growth, Linux's revenues will still be dwarfed by 32-bit Windows."

• Plaut Consulting Inc. (WALTHAM, Mass.) announced the successful completion of a five-week implementation of WORKS for mySAP.com for the San Francisco, Calif.-based Penguin Computing Inc.

• SiS (TAIPEI, Taiwan) announced its integrated-chipset-based platform has reached a remarkable milestone: a BIOS free, disk-less, single flash device platform. The company cooperated with two Open Source Software (OSS) projects. A prototype based on the SiS630 family, was demonstrated at the technical session of the Atlanta Linux Showcase (ALS).

• SteelCloud (DULLES, Va.) announced it would begin trading on the National Nasdaq under its new SCLD ticker symbol starting Thursday, October 19, 2000. One of SteelCloud's first products is a Linux-based web caching appliance.

• Trustix has announced the results of a "hack the system" test. Of a claimed 400,000 attempts to break into a Trustix Secure Linux system, not one was successful.

Section Editor: Rebecca Sobol.

Next: Linux in the news