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Linux and business


A new Kaffe - sponsored by Microsoft. Transvirtual has finally announced a new version of the Kaffe Java virtual machine. The work on Kaffe was partially funded by Microsoft, with the interesting result that Kaffe can run Java code that uses Microsoft's extensions - even on other platforms. (It is not the case, as reported in this confused News.com article, that Kaffe now only runs on Windows). Their licensing claims to be GPL for desktop systems, while use in embedded applications will cost money.

It will be interesting to see how the licensing shakes out. Since there is a GPL version out there, there is little to stop a company from using it - without payment - in their embedded applications. One assumes that the embedded version has some extra goodies that make it work in that environment. That raises the obvious question: how long until somebody releases an embeddable port of the GPL version? The future of Transvirtual's cash flow - and their continued support of Kaffe - could depend on the answer.

Corel claimsthat the first Linux Advisory Council meeting was a great success. "Members discussed a variety of issues, including: the possibility of developing a centralized depository for Linux, giving users one online site for bug fixes, patches, etc.; making Linux training available on the Web; creating a centralized training model for recognized Linux certification; the importance of making Linux available in universities and in elementary and high schools; and the importance of supporting local user groups."

A mobile database for Linux. Sybase has announced the availability of its "SQL Anywhere Studio" mobile database product on Linux.

Dual processors for cheap. The Computer Underground has announced a sub-$1000 dual-CPU Linux system. It is built using overclocked Celeron processors, so it is probably not for everybody. But folks seeking inexpensive SMP may want to check it out.

Applix creates Linux division. Applix has announced the creation of a new Linux division within the company. The division will concentrate on selling products to Linux users; it will also operate a web site that "...will provide an on-line knowledge base for users to search for information associated with Linux and Open Source Software vendors"

Free testing and certification for open source ORB vendors. The Open Group has announced that they will donate up to $1 million in testing and certification services to selected vendors of open source CORBA object request brokers (ORBs). The idea is to get open source products out there in the mainstream with some sort of guaranteed interoperability. The offer does little for most open source ORB projects, though - the Open Group is only interested in vendor-supported products with "legitimate technical support" and other such trappings.

Cheapest distribution CDs? The Linux Mall has sent out an announcement claiming that their distribution CDs, at $1.89 each, are the cheapest available.

Press Releases:

  • Caldera Systems teamed with Unitek to create a Caldera Systems Authorized Education Center in the San Francisco Bay area.
  • Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. announced Check Point Meta IP(TM) Services for Linux.
  • Enlighten Software Solutions, Inc. announced that it will port the key system administration and event monitoring capabilities of its flagship product EnlightenDSM to Linux.
  • Hewlett-Packard announced that it is stepping up its commitment to provide the growing community of European Internet service providers with Linux-based server solutions.
  • IBM announced a new version of SecureWay On-Demand Server, software that delivers personalized Web applications to users and groups based on individual preferences, access rights and device capabilities, and Linux support.
  • Intuitive Systems, Inc. unveiled Optimizeit for Linux, a complete Java performance tool.
  • PointBase, Inc. announced that two new 100% Pure Java(TM) database products, PointBase Mobile Edition and PointBase Server Edition are compatible with Java(TM) on Red Hat Linux.
  • Sales Vision, Inc. announced the availability of Jsales(TM) on Red Hat(R) Linux 6.0.
  • VA Linux Systems announced the opening of two international offices in Toronto, Canada.
  • VA Linux Systems has been selected by Fortune magazine as one of the top "cool" companies of the year.
  • XML For All, Inc. announced the release of its first product, the XFA Scripting System, a rapid application development system for XML. Microsoft Windows and Linux versions of the XFA Scripting System are free and can be downloaded from http://www.xmlforall.com.

Section Editor: Jon Corbet.


June 17, 1999

 

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