See also: last week's Commerce page.

Linux and Business

IBM continues its Linux support. IBM made several interesting announcements this week. First they announced one of the largest IBM Linux-based installations to date. Lawson, Inc., a Japanese convenience store chain, will be using IBM eServer xSeries systems to allow customers to download music, movies and other Web content from multimedia terminals throughout its stores. The systems are expected to be deployed next March.

Then IBM announced the release of the IBM Small Business Suite for Linux. This suite includes IBM's DB2 Universal Database, WebSphere Application Server and Lotus Domino and has a suggested retail price of $499 (US).

IBM is also working with Bluetooth specifications using Linux. The company announced it is making available commercial licenses for its Linux-based mobile middleware product, BlueDrekar. Look for BlueDrekar code on alphaWorks, IBM's online resource for emerging technology.

We all know by now that IBM's line of eServer systems will run most major Linux distributions. Now it seems that Sendmail will provide the mail routing software as the default mail software on the eServer.

European Commission study on software patents. Fred Mobach pointed out that the European Commission is looking at software patents, with an eye toward making such patents easier to get across Europe. Opinions are being requested; now is the time to let them know, in a well-reasoned manner, what you think on the issue - especially if you are European.

Along with the consultation is this study on the economic impact of software patents; it is very favorable toward these patents. "The open-source community considers patents a threat to the development of open-source software and aims to ensure that patents do not affect such development.... However this position on patents could well change. Developers of open source software may find it advantageous to file patents to obtain bargaining positions e.g. license money from owners of proprietary platforms."

HP's open letter to the open source community. HP has published a response to Eric Raymond's open letter. In it, they detail what they have done for open source in the printing arena and confirm their plans to continue supporting HP-UX for customers needing an operating system that scales to 64 processors and higher. "Going forward, some of our efforts will be open source, but not all. For example, portions of HP-UX are licensed from third parties, which makes it impossible to open source HP-UX completely. We will continue to identify and make available HP technologies that add to Linux's capabilities". (Thanks to David Paschal).

Eazel shows Nautilus, selects Linuxcare for support. Eazel unveiled its Network User Environment services offering along with an updated version of Nautilus. Termed the "Sneak Preview", the tools are available for download from Eazel's web site. The first two of these services are the Eazel Software Catalog and Eazel Online Storage. The Software Catalog provides users with easy, one-click installation of applications from a comprehensive Linux software library. Online Storage makes Web storage transparent to the user by integrating it with the user's local desktop allowing the user to safely back-up files online and access them from any computer with a browser. Eazel is offering each Nautilus user 25 MB of free online disk space. Nautilus is an open source project being developed under the GPL (GNU Public License) and is a core component of the GNOME desktop project. Eazel is a member of the GNOME Foundation.

In a related announcement, Linuxcare and Eazel announced a partnership to support Eazel's Network User Environment. Under the agreement, Linuxcare will provide email support services to customers of Eazel's Network User Environment which includes the Nautilus client for Linux systems. Linuxcare will also maintain a Linux knowledgebase support site at Eazel.com by capturing documentation and software updates, as well as managing and updating support FAQs.

Embedded Tracers. Two embedded code tracers were released this week. MontaVista Software released the Linux Trace Toolkit for PowerPC developers. MontaVista's version builds on Karim Yaghmour's- open source IA-32/x86 Linux Trace Toolkit by adding PowerPC support.

LynuxWorks released SpyKer. "SpyKer is the only commercial trace tool that traces kernel events without the need for instrumented kernel and library events and without a special instrumented version of the library. SpyKer can also trace user application events without modification to the application source code, which can save time and speed up time to market."

Indrema invites collaboration. Indrema Entertainment Systems is the creator of an open source game console and home entertainment platform. Its Indrema Developer Network, in collaboration with CollabNet, is covered on this week's Development page. Here are a couple more partnerships made by the company this week.

Indrema and Metro Link have announced they will collaborate on the development of key open source technologies behind the Indrema Entertainment System (IES). Part of Metro Link's job will be to bolster the IESDK feature set through their work on the Xtrema and OpenStream technologies.

Metrowerks will be working with Indrema to produce CodeWarrior for the Indrema Entertainment System (IES), which will be included for little or no cost in the Indrema Entertainment Software Development Kit (IESDK).

LynuxWorks completes merger. LynuxWorks has completed its merger with Integrated Software & Devices Corporation. LWN examined LynuxWorks' S1 filing in this feature article.

SHYM's PKEnable adds certificates to CVS. SHYM Technology has announced its "PKEnable" product, which adds digital certificate capability to the CVS source management system. "Recently publicized events have shown us once again that source code is a viable target for corporate hackers. Unsophisticated password technology built into CVS and other code management systems isn't enough to adequately protect a company's intellectual property."

Hasbro launches new .com edition of Monopoly. Hasbro has announced a ".com edition" of the venerable game Monopoly. The railroads have been replaced with telecom firms, which makes sense. Amusingly, the utilities have been replaced with Sun Microsystems and Linux. Perhaps Linux should have gone in as "Free Parking" instead?

Here's a picture of the .com Monopoly board with Tux in the Utility spot. (Thanks to Dave Whitinger).

Press Releases:

Open Source Products

• ArsDigita Corporation (CAMBRIDGE, Mass.) announced the general availability of version 4.0 of the ArsDigita Community System, available for download with documentation from http://www.arsdigita.com/download.

• Great Bridge LLC (NORFOLK, Va.) launched GreatBridge.org, a comprehensive online resource for software developers working on PostgreSQL-related projects.

Commercial Products for Linux

• Advanced Computer & Network Corporation (PITTSBURGH) announced that it has received SteelEye's LifeKeeper certification and is now included on SteelEye's Hardware Compatibility List for RAID storage systems. SteelEye's Hardware Compatibility Program provides customers with assurances of compatibility and integration when deploying LifeKeeper for Linux clustering solutions.

• Halcyon Software, Inc. (San Jose, CA) announced that it is making its Instant ASP (iASP), available for free to users of Intel-based Linux systems.

• Inetcam Inc. (SAN DIEGO) announced the release of new iVISTA personal webcasting software that will now run on a Linux-based PC.

• JBSi (HOUSTON) announced that JBSi has become a nationwide distributor of Century's TinyTERM line of terminal emulation products. Century Software's TinyTERM suite of host-connectivity products delivers scalable, convenient access to UNIX and Linux systems.

• Lexmark announced the availability of Linux drivers for their Lexmark Z52 Color Jetprinter and Lexmark Z32 Color Jetprinter. The drivers are currently available at no charge.

• Linux2order.com (PROVO, UTAH) launched Priority Download, designed to provide users with access to all of its software, at download speeds up to 110Kbps.

• Linux NetworX, Inc. (SANDY, Utah) announced the integration of BRU Backup & Restore Utility into its Evolocity cluster solutions. BRU is a backup software solution for Linux systems from Enhanced Software Technologies, Inc. (EST).

• MSC.Software (COSTA MESA, Calif.) announced the release of MSC.Marc 2000 on the Linux platform and ISO 9000 certification from Underwriters Laboratory.

• Prolific Inc. (NEWARK, Calif.) announces expanded support for Intel-based workstations running Linux.

• SGI and Informix Software (MENLO PARK, Calif., and MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.) announced that the Informix database will be available on SGI servers based on the Intel Itanium processor and the Linux OS.

• V3 Semiconductor Inc. (SANTA CLARA, Calif. & TORONTO) announced that it offers Linux operating system support for developers of MIPS processor based embedded PCI applications.

Products Using Linux

• Alpha Processor, Inc. (API), Dolphin Interconnect and Scali, SA (Dallas) announced the availability of WulfKit for Alpha, enabling the creation of powerful and scalable Linux Beowulf systems.

• API NetWorks, Inc. (DALLAS) introduced the UP2000+ dual-processor motherboard to its line of Ultimate Performance Series motherboards and the latest speed Alpha 833 MHz processor. API also introduced the CS20, a powerful server in a 1U package.

• AXENT Technologies, Inc. (ROCKVILLE, Md. & MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.) and Cobalt Networks, Inc. unveiled the VelociRaptor firewall and virtual private network (VPN) appliance. AXENT's solutions run on a hardened Linux system, pre-configured and locked down within the hardware appliance.

• Filanet Corporation (SUNNYVALE, Calif.) announced the InterJak 100 Internet service appliance enabling small and medium businesses to have the power of a big company network with one simple device.

• SuSE Linux announced the general availability of SuSE Linux S/390.

Products with Linux Versions

• CrossKeys Systems Corporation (SAN JOSE, Calif.) announced the release of CrossKeys Dyband software for the Linux operating system.

• The iSpark Group (FORT WORTH, Texas) introduced BillMax Version 1.5.3. Not quite open source, "BillMax is one of the only turnkey billing applications that offers UNIX platforms (Linux, Solaris, FreeBSD, BSDI), 90% of the source code with a license purchase".

• knowledgelinx Inc. (OTTAWA, ONTARIO) announced that knowledgelinx 2000, a Web-based knowledge-sharing and management software application, is available immediately.

• Market Matrix, Inc. (SEATTLE) announced the release of ComUnion 2.0, a scalable ColdFusion Internet commerce engine designed in the Fusebox methodology for web application developers.

• Novell, Inc. (SAN JOSE, Calif.) announced availability of the Novell Internet Messaging System 2.6, a wireless messaging system.

• Omnis Software announced the release of Omnis Studio 3.0, the latest version of their 4GL rapid application development (RAD) program.

• The MathWorks, Inc. (NATICK, Mass.) announced the availability of Release 12 to its product family. Release 12 includes MATLAB 6 and Simulink 4, new versions of The MathWorks flagship products, and upgrades of 60 application-specific companion products.

• VCIX (NEW YORK) introduced ObjectXplorer, a graphical user interface (GUI) for its Cortra Site Studio software.

Java Products

• Intuitive Systems, Inc. (CUPERTINO, Calif.) announced availability of Optimizeit 4.0 for Linux. Optimizeit is a Java-based language profiling tool.

• NQL Inc. (SANTA ANA, Calif.) announced the full release of a Java Edition of its Network Query Language technology which it has qualified for the Linux operating system.

Books and Training

• The Linux Professional Institute announced the completion of its level 1 tests, now featuring instant results. The beta period is finally over.

Partnerships

• Cobalt Networks, Inc. (MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.) launched the True Blue 2.0 Partner Program, for its channel partners.

• Lutris Technologies Inc. (SANTA CRUZ, Calif.) announced the formation of the Lutris Solution Partner Program.

• PartnerAxis (OREM, Utah) announced it was selected by Appgen Business Software Inc. to serve as its channel market maker. In the newly created alliance and partnership, PartnerAxis will position Appgen's newly released personal finance manager "Moneydance", a product for Linux.

• Red Hat, Inc. (RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.) announced the Certified Red Hat Service Provider Program (RHCSP), a comprehensive, integrated service offering for service providers and Web hosting providers.

• SGI Global Services and ePeople (MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.) joined forces to bring a new online technical support marketplace to Linux users.

• SteelEye Technology, Inc. (MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.) announced a strategic reseller agreement with CONNECT Computer Corp. in which CONNECT will resell and market SteelEye's high availability (HA) clustering software, LifeKeeper for Linux.

• Tech Soft and Hewlett Packard(Alameda, CA) announced a program to freely distribute the HOOPS/3dAF libraries for personal use on all HP VISUALIZE Workstations running the Linux OS.

Investments and Acquisitions

• CNET Networks, Inc. (SAN FRANCISCO) announced that it has acquired AppWatch (www.appwatch.com), a directory of thousands of the latest pre-tested Free Software and Open Source downloads, including Linux distributions, drivers, utilities and applications.

• SONICblue (SANTA CLARA, Calif.) formerly known as S3 Incorporated, announced that it has completed its acquisition of U.K. digital audio equipment manufacturer, empeg, makers of the embedded Linux world's favorite toys: the empeg car audio player and the Diamond RIO.

Financial Results

• Magic Software Enterprises (OR YEHUDA, ISRAEL) reported total revenues for the third quarter 2000 were $25.46 million as compared to $16.41 million for the comparable three-month period in 1999.

• VA Linux Systems, Inc. (FREMONT, Calif.) announced that revenue for its first fiscal quarter, ended October 27, 2000, will be below the Company's expectations, primarily due to slower-than-expected sales growth from new customers in the "Dot-com" sector.

Personnel and New Offices

• Caldera Systems Inc. (OREM, Utah) announced the appointment of Robert Bench to the position of chief financial officer (CFO).

• Lineo (MUNICH, Germany) announced the establishment of Lineo GmbH in Munich and appointed Werner Hartwig and Ronan Gonidec as sales directors in the Lineo EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) sales division.

• Mission Critical Linux, Inc. (LOWELL, Mass.) announced that Robert Tumanic will join the organization as Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Tumanic will replace Steve Ofsthun, who will assume the new position of Senior Vice President of Engineering.

• Turbolinux, Inc. (SAN FRANCISCO) announced that Jerry Greenberg has joined the company in the newly-created position of Senior Vice President of Marketing. Greenberg, most recently the senior director of marketing at Fujitsu's HAL Computer Systems subsidiary, is a 35-year veteran of the computing industry.

Other

• SGI (DALLAS) demonstrated Linux-based Intel Itanium processor systems at SC2000. The systems ran with a version of Turbolinux using SGI Pro64 compilers, SGI Advanced Cluster Environment (ACE) and system administration tools.

• TOP500 List released an independent study naming IBM the world leader in supercomputing. "Today's list also marks the first time that other IBM systems besides the SP have attained a TOP500 ranking. The company's "Blue Hammer" clusters featuring S80 UNIX systems and Intel-based Linux cluster systems emerged today in record numbers on the list, evidence that IBM's use of supercomputing technology in these new products is paying off."

• Zona Research announced the availability of a research report on Linux deployment. "Though Microsoft Windows was the single OS replaced most often with Linux, nearly 2/3 of respondents who were replacing legacy applications with Linux indicated their organizations were replacing UNIX operating systems." Dig out the credit card if you want to see the whole thing, the "single user" version of the report is $895.

Section Editor: Rebecca Sobol.

Next: Linux in the news