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Linux and business

Voice recognition for Linux Commercial Voice Recognition Software from IBM was announced this week. `Speech is the next user interface for computing,'' said W.S. ``Ozzie'' Osborne, general manager for IBM Speech Systems. ``By offering our speech engine and libraries to the growing community of Linux developers, IBM is encouraging the development and proliferation of new interactive and conversational applications.'' (Thanks to Edmund Grimley Evans).

How should VAR's treat Linux? Just like any other operating system, according to this VAR Business article. "[Jon Hall] says there's no reason why VARs can't charge NT-like prices for product packages made of commercial software or hardware integrated with Linux. Customers aren't afraid of Linux, they just want their money's worth..."

Another Linux IPO in the works. Watchguard Technologies, makers of cute, fire-engine red, Linux-based firewall boxes has announced that it is filing for an initial stock offering. (Thanks to Kirk Petersen).

A couple of new Linux system announcements out there: The Computer Underground has rolled out a $996 Linux/Windows dual-boot system. And EIS has announced a rack-mount UltraSPARC Linux system aimed at ISP's; one assumes it costs rather more.

SGI's Linux strategy is coming soon, according to this InfoWorld article. "SGI ... will focus its Linux server offerings on machines for telecommunications and Internet service providers, where the operating system is particularly popular."

Linux administrator demographics. The Linux Professional Institute has published some results from the Linux system administrator survey they ran a few weeks ago, and which drew over 1400 responses. "The study found that the typical Linux administrator is a 27 year old male with 2 years of [ college. He uses 2 Linux distributions, one of them being Red Hat. He runs Linux at home and at work, and has been a Linux user for about 4 years. He also administers Microsoft and non-Linux unix servers and workstations."

German-based Infoconnect announced on April 27th that they are now offering internet gateways based on Linux for SOHO (small office, home office) networks.

A new online Linux store. QLITech Linux Computers has announced their new on-line store. Located at http://www.qlitech.net, they offer "pre-configured, and custom built linux workstations as well as servers".

Linux certification testing. Sylvan Prometric will be doing the testing for Linux Certification from Sair, one of the commerically-based entries into the Linux certification business.

Press Releases:

Dell, now pre-installing Red Hat 6.0
Penguin Computing has announced that it will join Dell in shipping only Red Hat Linux 6.0 on its systems.
RedCreek, supporting Red Hat 6.0 for its IPSec VPN card
Proven Software, general account software written specifically for Linux.
Compatible Systems Corporation, sponsoring the High-Speed Remote Access Hot Spot at Networld+Interop.
MKS, MKS Source Integrity, an SCM tool, now supported on Linux
Microlite, RecoverEDGE fully integrated, configurable crash recovery solution for Linux
Red Hat and Ariel Corp, Ariel to provide Linux-based PCI remote access solutions for Red Hat customers
Cybernet, NetMAX for Linux beta, integrated network server software
WebTrends announced enterprise reporting server for Linux
South Pole, new Swedish company selling Linux products and services (in Swedish)

Section Editor: Jon Corbet.

April 29, 1999

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