[LWN Logo]

From: PHIL NASH <PHIL_NASH@ziatech.com>
To: PHIL NASH <PHIL_NASH@ziatech.com>
Subject: "Hard Hat Linux" Available on Ziatech Applied Computers
Date: Tue, 29 Jun 1999 14:43:36 -0700

Ziatech Corporation, a manufacturer of applied computers for telecom =
and
Internet systems, and MontaVista Software, a new company selling and
supporting an embedded computing version of Linux, will issue the press
release that follows this message. I have sent you the message and =
press
release because it looks like your publication covers Linux not simply =
from
a desktop PC perspective, but  the larger Linux market as well. If the =
press
release is not appropriate for you, or there is someone else at your
publication that I should send it to, I apologize for the =
inconvenience, and
would appreciate any contact information or feedback you can provide. =
Thank
you for your time.

Phil Nash, Manager, Public Relations
Ziatech Corporation
(release and contact information follows)


For Immediate Release

Ziatech Joins with MontaVista to Provide Linux=AE-ready CompactPCI=AE =
Applied
Computing Systems

Supported version of Linux is enhanced for embedded applications=20

San Luis Obispo, CA, June 30, 1999 - Ziatech Corporation, a leading
innovator of applied computing solutions, today announced an agreement =
with
MontaVista Software, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA), that provides an embedded =
version
of the Linux=AE operating system on Ziatech's CompactPCI=AE development =
systems
and single board computers. MontaVista's "Hard Hat(tm) Linux" will =
initially
be available on Ziatech's ZT 5082 Development System, a completely
configured, rackmount, CompactPCI platform designed to speed =
application
development.
Hard Hat Linux is the first operating system environment to combine the
extreme cost-effectiveness, openness and flexibility of Linux with the
reliability and responsiveness required for embedded and applied =
computing
applications in telecommunications, Internet and industrial control.
MontaVista will supplement the operating system's enhancements with
comprehensive technical support, porting and customization services.
 "First and foremost, Hard Hat Linux is a supported version of Linux
targeted at embedded systems," said James Ready, Founder and President =
of
MontaVista. "The MontaVista support team has not only extensive Linux
experience, but many years of embedded development experience as well.=20
"As the creator of the CompactPCI architecture, and one of its leading
suppliers, Ziatech is ready to play a major role in bringing Linux to
applied computing systems," Ready said.
Hard Hat Linux allows applied computing system designers to benefit =
from the
enormous selection of device drivers, and applications, as well as the
functionality of Linux itself. It also provides extensive support for
Internet protocols and applications, according to Ready.
According to Jim Eckford, Ziatech's Vice President of Marketing, =
"Companies
choosing the CompactPCI architecture are increasingly interested in =
using
the Linux operating system. By enhancing Linux for embedded and applied
computing applications, and then providing experienced technical =
support,
MontaVista is providing a valuable service to Ziatech and its =
customers.=20
"Ziatech has worked with MontaVista founder James Ready for several =
years.
He and the rest of the MontaVista team provide extensive embedded =
software
experience, along with an understanding of OEM computing requirements," =
said
Eckford.
Hard Hat Linux will be available on Ziatech's complete line of =
CompactPCI
computer boards and the company's fast-track development systems. =
Ziatech
begins shipping the ZT 5082 Development System with a pre-configured =
Linux
installation for the ZT 5531 CPU Board with Pentium=AE II Processor at =
the
beginning of August, 1999. Ziatech will also offer complete development
toolkits for other CompactPCI processor boards, including the company's =
ZT
5521 CPU Board with Pentium III Processor, and the CompactNET(tm)
multiprocessing system, during the third quarter of 1999.
The first version of MontaVista's embedded version of Linux, Hard Hat =
1.0,
is based on the Linux 2.2 kernel, and is qualified on Ziatech hardware.
Special embedded features include headless booting and operation (no
keyboard, mouse, video adapter, or display required), and booting and
communication over the CompactPCI backplane. Future releases will =
enhance
the real-time response and be configurable to minimize the memory
"footprint." A comprehensive suite of development tools, including
optimizing compilers for C, C++, and other languages, high-level =
debuggers,
and performance monitoring tools, will be available on first release.
About MontaVista Software=20
MontaVista Software, Inc. was founded in April of 1999 by James F. =
Ready.
The company is dedicated to delivering Open Source Software solutions =
for
the worldwide embedded software market. Its principal offering is the =
Linux
Operating System tailored for the needs of embedded software =
developers.
MontaVista products include Hard Hat Linux, a standard off-the-shelf, =
binary
distribution of Linux for PowerPC and x86 architectures. Hard Hat Linux =
is
supported by a comprehensive development tool suite including =
optimizing
compilers for C, C++ and other languages, high-level-language debuggers =
and
performance monitoring tools. The company also provides Linux porting =
and
customization services for customers worldwide. For further =
information,
contact James Ready at 408.328.9200 or by email: jim@mvista.com
<mailto:jim@mvista.com>. More information can be obtained by visiting
<http://www.mvista.com/>.
About Ziatech Corporation
Ziatech Corporation is the leading innovator of applied computing =
solutions
for telecommunications and Internet applications. The company supplies
Original Equipment Manufacturers with solutions ranging from single =
board
computers to fully integrated systems designed for mission critical
applications. Ziatech offers the industry's most comprehensive offering =
of
CompactPCI, a standard it created and continues to enhance through
advancements such as multiprocessing and high availability technology. =
An
ISO 9001-certified company, Ziatech partners with SCI, the world's =
largest
contract manufacturer of electronics, to build computers that meet
international certification requirements and the highest standards of
quality. Headquartered in San Luis Obispo, California, Ziatech operates =
a
worldwide network of representatives and distributors, with sales =
offices
throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. More detailed =
information on
Ziatech is available on the World Wide Web at =
<http://www.ziatech.com/>.

Contact Information:
Phil Nash
Ziatech Corporation
Phone: 805.782.4500 x6044=20
E-Mail: phil_nash@ziatech.com
Web: http://www.ziatech.com

James Ready
MontaVista Software, Inc.
Phone: 408.328.9207
E-mail: jim@mvista.com
Web: <http://www.mvista.com/>

Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. CompactPCI is a
registered trademark of the PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers' =
Group.
Hard Hat is a trademark of MontaVista Software, Inc. Pentium is a =
registered
trademark of Intel Corporation. CompactNET is a trademark of Ziatech
Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective
owners.=20




Phil Nash=20
Manager, Public Relations
Ziatech Corporation
1050 Southwood Drive=20
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 USA
Phone: 805.782.4500; Ext. 6044
E-mail: Phil_Nash@ziatech.com=20