Date: Sun, 31 Oct 1999 23:32:47 +0200
Subject: Linux announcement from Finland
From: "SOT Finnish Software Engineering Ltd." <sot@sot.com>


SOT FINNISH SOFTWARE ENGINEERING LTD. ANNOUNCES BETA PROGRAMME FOR
UPCOMING ENGLISH VERSION OF THE MOST POPULAR LINUX IN FINLAND

Technology Center Hermia, Tampere, Finland - October 31, 1999 

SOT, publisher of the #1 Linux in Finland - the home country of 
Linux and Linus - today announced their beta programme for bringing
their Best Linux operating system to English-speaking users around
the globe.

"In Best Linux we have achieved a combination of maintaining stability 
and providing all the latest, untested software. By having only well-
tested final releases and different beta programmes we have kept 
developer components and end-user releases separate.  This has proven 
to be the right path in Finland. We are making the most end-user 
friendly Linux distribution, one that even inexperienced end-users 
can easily adopt." said Santeri Kannisto, CEO, SOT. 
"Happy Halloween!"

The forthcoming English beta version is called Best Linux T-1. 
SOT will ship the CD-ROMs free-of-charge to registered beta 
testers shortly.  The registration form is available at 
the Best Linux web site, http://bestlinux.net

"We have the most popular Linux distribution in Finland and Sweden.
Now it's time to share it with the international Linux community. 
Releasing a free-of-charge beta CD-ROM for international developers 
enables us to establish useful connections and get immediate 
feedback before releasing the final version." said Raimo Koski, 
Linux R&D manager, SOT.

The Best Linux product contains everything needed to easily install, 
configure and run Linux, the world's most advanced operating system. 
Included are four CD-ROMs, a detailed user manual and lifetime 
technical installation support. CD-ROMs include the installation CD, 
a source code CD, software library CD and Linux games CD.

About Linux

Linux is a co-operatively developed operating system used worldwide.
It was started by Mr. Linus Torvalds in Finland in 1991. In
1998 Linux was the fastest-growing server operating environment,
growing more than 212 percent in that year alone (IDG). 
Applications of Linux vary from home use to fully functional 
UNIX workstations and Internet servers. The difference between Linux 
and other operating systems is that Linux is open source software. 
Best Linux is developed and maintained under GPL license as a freely 
distributable software and is also available on the Internet, 
free-of-charge. 

About SOT Finnish Software Engineering Ltd.

Founded in 1991, SOT is based in Finland, where it builds and 
maintains the Best Linux distribution. Working in cooperation with 
a huge team of research, academic and commercial software
development volunteers over the Internet, SOT's goal is to build an
easier, more advanced distribution of the Linux operating system that
is also simple to administer. Along with the operating system SOT 
offers Linux training, commercial support and consulting services to 
individuals and companies exploiting the power of Linux. SOT's own 
hardware manufacturing operations in Tallinn, Estonia and Tampere, 
Finland enable it to provide complete ready-to-use Linux solutions 
and ensure an up-to-date knowledge of PC hardware.

LINUX is a trademark of Linus Torvalds. Best Linux is a trademark 
of SOT. UNIX is a registered trademark of The Open Group. All other 
names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 

For more information about Best Linux and other SOT products, please 
call +358-3-316 5544 or visit our web site at 
http://www.sot.com. Reviews Encouraged.


CONTACT:
	                Santeri Kannisto

                        SOT Finnish Software Engineering Ltd.

                        +358-400-833 982

                        Santeri.Kannisto@sot.com