See also: last week's Commerce page.

Linux and Business

Mostly Clusters - IBM, Linux NetworX and VA Linux

IBM eServer Software Drives Infrastructure Expansion. IBM introduced IBM eServer cluster in Linux and UNIX flavors. These systems can tie together a company's entire IT infrastructure, from Web servers to vital back-end workloads like Enterprise Resource Planning and Customer Relationship Management applications. But are they as energy efficient as the z900?

IBM on the energy-saving advantage of z900 Linux. IBM has put out a press release on how a single z900 mainframe, running Linux, uses only 5% of the energy used by "a typical configuration of 750 Sun servers" doing the same thing.

EBIZ to acquire Linux NetworX. EBIZ Enterprises has announced that it will be acquiring Linux NetworX. EBIZ has been on an acquisition spree for a while, picking up companies like LinuxMall.com and Jones Business Systems; this latest move will give it a presence in the cluster arena as well. Linux NetworX will maintain its current research and development operation and sales team in Salt Lake City and will broaden their manufacturing and corporate functions with resources available in the EBIZ Technology Center in Houston.

VA Linux Debuts Powerful Remote Management Solution for Ultradense Servers; VA Linux 100 Manages 1U Server Farms with VACM. VA Linux Systems, Inc. introduced the VA Linux 100, a remote management solution for 1U server farms. VACM, VA's cluster management software allows the VA Linux 100 to turn racks of VA Linux 1120 and 1220 1U servers into unified server arrays and enables systems administrators to manage them securely from anywhere in the world.

More New Products

Metrowerks releases Playstation 2 Tools for Linux. Metrowerks unveiled new development tools technology this week for game developers at the Game Developers Conference (GDC). Metrowerks announced the availability of a new Analysis Tools Kit (ATtaCK) and demonstrated a Linux version of its CodeWarrior for PlayStation2 tools.

Digital Creations Announces Zope-Based Content Management Framework. Digital Creations announced the release of its new Zope-based Content Management Framework (CMF). CMF enables the secure distribution of content to those responsible for maintenance and updates. Templates, role-based permissions, version tracking and rollback features are also part of the CMF.

FSMLabs releases RTLinux box set. RTLinux is now available in a box. FSMLabs has announced the availability of the RTLinux v3.0 CD, an i386 distribution based on Red Hat 6.2. It comes with printed documentation and a set of example programs; it sells for $150.

LynuxWorks, Neomagic to provide Bluecat Linux for handhelds. LynuxWorks, Inc. and NeoMagic Corporation announced they are using LynuxWorks' embedded BlueCat Linux for the NeoMagic System-on-Chip platform for smart handheld devices.

Other

ATI bids $10 million for SONICblue's graphics unit. Graphics chip maker ATI Technologies Inc. announced that it has bid up to $10 million to buy SONICblue Inc.'s graphics division. ATI said it will acquire the SONICblue's FGL Graphics business, which develops Fire GL brand graphics accelerators for the NT and Linux workstation markets.

FreeDevelopers.net 'The Company is the Community' structure. The folks at FreeDevelopers.net have come out with their proposed corporate structure, which, they think, will allow them to put together a truly free, cooperatively-owned software development company.

LinuxWorld.com migrates content, forums to ITworld.com. Here's an impressive bit of spin. IDG's press release on the shutdown of LinuxWorld.com presents the situation this way: "In a move reflecting the rapid adoption of Linux across the enterprise, ITworld.com, the premier Web resource for enterprise IT professionals, today announced it is migrating LinuxWorld.com into ITworld.com beginning next month. This move enables LinuxWorld.com visitors to take advantage of the unique navigation structure of ITworld.com and access a broader base of related content, and allows LinuxWorld.com to reach a wider audience of enterprise IT professionals."

More Linuxgruven. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch has more details on Linuxgruven, their training program and the impact on people who paid for their classes.

This updated statement from Linuxgruven confirms rumors of lay-offs. They are also offering refunds for those in the middle of classes.

See last week's Commerce page for additional Linuxgruven coverage.

LPI-News for the month of March 2001. Topics covered in this issue:

1. New resource - http://www.lpicert.com
2. NEC bulk purchases
3. Sydney Australia - Comdex Show
4. Chicago Volunteers
5. Chicago Drawing
6. JASS
7. Statistics
8. International Issues
9. CeBit in Hannover, Germany

Turbolinux, backed by Dell, Intel, pulls $60 mln IPO. Reuters reports that Turbolinux has withdrawn its proposed initial public offering. The withdrawal letter is also available for those who are interested. The reason, of course, is "current market conditions."

Linux Stock Index for March 15 to March 21, 2001.
LSI at closing on March 15, 2001 ... 30.06
LSI at closing on March 21, 2001 ... 28.69

The high for the week was 30.19
The low for the week was 28.69

Press Releases:

Open source products

• BioAPI Consortium (MOORESTOWN, N.J.): BioAPI Consortium Announces Release Of Final Specification and Reference Implementation. The Reference Implementation is available royalty-free as open source software.

• CYRANO Inc. (BOSTON): CYRANO Releases Roadmap for OpenSTA(TM) Commercial Modules. OpenSTA (Open System Testing Architecture) is a free and Open Source distributed testing environment.

Proprietary Products for Linux

• Check Point Software Technologies (REDWOOD CITY, Calif.): Check Point Achieves Certification From Global Certification Organization. Check Point VPN-1/FireWall-1 SmallOffice was certified on the Intrusion.com SecureCom PDS 2100 appliance, a Linux-based platform.

• Eicon Networks Corporation (MONTREAL): Eicon Wins Top Award From SCO WORLD Magazine. The magazine, which recently changed its name to LINUX SERVER COMPUTING, named the Eiconcard S94 as the leader in Linux connectivity.

• IBM (ARMONK, N.Y.): IBM Unveils Linux-enabled Storage Portfolio to Power Open Storage Networking; From Disk to Tape, Linux Underscores Push for Openness.

• Legato Systems, Inc. (MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.): Legato Expands Linux Solution With NetWorker Support for Turbolinux; Legato NetWorker Now Supports Four Leading Linux Operating Systems. Legato NetWorker Module 3.1 for Oracle now supports Turbolinux 6.0.

• MigraTEC, Inc. (DALLAS): MigraTEC Announces Solaris-to-Linux Migration DART That Gives Quick Overview of Porting Challenges.

• Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. (MINNEAPOLIS): Multi-Tech Systems Announcing Red Hat Certified WAN Server Cards; Company's MultiModemISI Hybrid ISDN/Modem and Modem Cards Include RPMs.

• SWsoft (SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.): SWsoft Puts Full Focus On HSPcomplete. HSPcomplete is a solution for hosting service providers and data centers.

Products and Services Using Linux

• EnFlex Corp. (PRESCOTT, Ariz.): EnFlex Delivers Legacy Energy Management Systems to the Web.

• MontaVista Software, Inc. (LONDON): MontaVista Showcases First Demonstration of Embedded Linux on Intel XScale Platform.

• RidgeRun Inc. (BOISE, Idaho): RidgeRun Announces DSPLinux SDK for OMAP and DSC21 DSPs; Embedded DSP Developers Get Early Access Through Beta Program.

• View Systems, Inc. (ENGLEWOOD, Colo.): View Systems Inc. Expands its Surveillance Product Line with First-to-Market Linux and Mpeg4 System.

• ZYNX Networks & Force Computers (SAN JOSE, Calif.): ZYNX Networks and Force Computers partner to cut project development time. These CPSB platforms feature Linux-based ZNYX OpenArchitect ZX4500 Ethernet switches.

Products With Linux Versions

• AbriaSoft (FREMONT, Calif.): Web Development and Production Platform for Windows and Linux Released by AbriaSoft. AbriaSoft's Merlin Server integrates open source technologies such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, Apache, SSL, Perl, PhP and WebDAV with development tools and templates.

• Alias|Wavefront (SAN JOSE, Calif.): Alias/Wavefront's Maya Software A Top Choice for Next-Generation Game Development; Leading Developers Turning to Maya for Efficient Pipelines/Unparalleled Graphics.

• Ansoft Corporation (PITTSBURGH): Ansoft Introduces Linux Version of Harmonica and Symphony. Ansoft's Harmonica and Symphony products are now available for Intel-based Red Hat Linux versions 6.1 and 6.2.

• BindView Corporation (SALT LAKE CITY): BindView Announces Industry's First Security and Configuration Management Solution for Novell's NDS eDirectory. BindView's bv-Control for NDS eDirectory software manages the NDS eDirectory across multiple platforms.

• Bynari Inc. (DALLAS): Bynari Introduces New Linux and Sun Solaris Solution for the Microsoft Exchange Network. TradeXCH 1.2 is immediately available for desktops/workstations running X86 processor versions of Linux.

• CommVault Systems (OCEANPORT, N.J.): CommVault Systems Expands Enterprise Protection With Latest Release of CommVault Galaxy Data and Storage Management Software. CommVault Galaxy Version 3.1 adds support for the HP/UX and Red Hat Linux operating systems.

• Data Connection Limited (LONDON): Data Connection Announces Immediate Availability of DC-SCTP Portable Protocol Software.

• Discreet (SAN JOSE, Calif.): Discreet Unveils reactor -- Advanced Physics for 3ds max. reactor(TM) is the latest integrated extension for 3ds max(TM) 4, 3D animation and modeling software powered by Havok, Inc.

• DoubleClick TechSolutions (NEW YORK): DoubleClick TechSolutions Unveils AdServer 4.1 to Extend Ad Serving Onto Emerging Media Platforms.

• GameSpy Industries, Inc. (IRVINE, Calif.): GameSpy Industries Announces Official Launch of GameSpy.net - The Global Online Gaming Infrastructure for Game Developers and Publishers.

• IBM (SOMERS, NY): IBM Continues To Deliver On e-Portal Strategy, Unveils Websphere Portal Server And Agreements With Leading Content Providers.

• Lutris Technologies Inc. (CTIA WIRELESS 2001/LAS VEGAS): Lutris Accelerates Wireless Internet Application Deployment. In partnership with HP and Compaq, the Lutris Enhydra 3.5 Java/XML application server now supports an increased range of enterprise server platforms, including HP Linux and the enterprise capable Linux 2.4 Kernel (SuSE 7.1).

• Natural MicroSystems (FRAMINGHAM, Mass.): Natural MicroSystems' Fusion 4.2 Packs New Features for Building Core Network Gateways.

• OTG Software (BETHESDA, Md.): OTG Software's DiskXtender 2000 Certified With IBM's Linear Tape Open (LTO).

• Paul Nolan Software (SAN DIEGO): Paul Nolan Software Launches Photogenics 5.0 for Linux and Windows Using Beyond.com's eStore Technology.

• QSound Labs, Inc. (CALGARY, Alberta): QSound Labs Launches MUSICMATCH Co-Branded Version of Its QMax Audio Enhancement Software.

• TASKING (DEDHAM, Mass.): TASKING XA Tool Suite Integrates Safer C to Promote Robust Coding; Tool Suite Provides Seamless Path for 8051-to-XA Migration.

• VirtualSellers.com Inc. (CHICAGO): VirtualSellers.com Releases an Alternative to Java; VirtualSellers Releases Version Five Of Its Proprietary TAME Pure Scripting Language.

Books & Training

• LinuxCertified.com (Cupertino, CA): Linux Certification Bootcamp W/free Linux laptop!. Next weekend bootcamp will be April 7 - 8th, 2001.

Partnerships

• BakBone Software and FalconStor (MELVILLE, N.Y. AND SAN DIEGO): BakBone, FalconStor Align To Optimize Backup, Restore Across Ip-Based Storage Networks. Among other things they plan to "actively pursue cooperative marketing programs to increase industry awareness of Linux-based solutions in data storage networking environments".

• bayMountain (RICHMOND, Va.): bayMountain Joins Exodus Alliance Partner Program - Expanding Global Reach and Customer Hosting Options. Under the agreement, bayMountain, a provider of Linux-based managed hosting services, will refer customers to Exodus for Internet hosting services and Linux-based Exodus customers have the option of subscribing to bayMountain's managed hosting services.

• Jungo Software Technologies, Inc. (SUNNYVALE, Calif.): Jungo Software Technologies Joins With Conexant to Provide a Complete Reference Design for Broadband IADs / Residential Gateways. The reference design combines Conexant's AccessRunner multi-function ADSL chipset with Jungo's OpenRG residential gateway software platform which includes a small footprint, Linux based operating system.

• Lineo, Inc. (Lindon, UT): Lineo and Opersys announce the release of LTT 0.9.4. Linux Trace Toolkit 0.9.4 is the first complete version of LTT to support the PowerPC processor family running Linux and RTAI.

• Metro Link Inc. (FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla..): Metro Link and DY 4 Systems to Offer 3D Graphic Solutions for Military/Aerospace Market. Under the strategic partnership agreement, Metro Link will merge DY 4's OpenGL code with their own OpenGL code that was written for Linux and proprietary real-time systems from LynuxWorks and Concurrent Computer Corporation.

• Nemein Solutions and Hong Kong Linux Center (Helsinki, Hong Kong): Nemein to resell HKLC's Nadmin Content Management System. Nadmin is an user-friendly interface to the Open Source Midgard Content Management Engine.

• REDSonic, Inc. (ORANGE COUNTY, Calif.): REDSonic partners with Tri-M Systems. REDSonic has ported REDICE-Linux to Tri-M Systems' MZ104.

• Sharp Corp. (HANNOVER, Germany): Sharp and PacketVideo Team to Deliver Mobile Devices With Wireless Multimedia Capabilities. They plan to integrate PacketVideo's wireless multimedia delivery technology into Sharp's recently developed Linux-based wireless devices.

• Tarantella Inc. (SANTA CRUZ, Calif.): Tarantella Partner Launches Canadian Web-Enabling Initiative. Tarantella announced an agreement with systems integrator Gold-Tech to offer Tarantella Enterprise 3 web-enabling software to Canadian enterprise customers. (Available in Linux versions.)

• Zuma Networks Inc. and StoneSoft Corp. (WEST HILLS, Calif.& ATLANTA): Zuma Networks and StoneSoft Partner to Provide Roadmap for Next Level of Security and Clustering Firewall/VPN Solutions. StoneSoft's StoneGate Firewall and VPN software is a fully scalable enterprise-level security solution that will be ported into the modular Linux application processors within the LightReef platform using Zuma's Zumix Application Programming Interface (API).

Personnel

• Mission Critical Linux, Inc. (LOWELL, Mass.): Mission Critical Linux Appoints Kay Howell President of Government Systems; Executive To Assist Government Sector With the Rapid Growth and Demand of Linux. Government Systems is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mission Critical Linux.

Financial Results

• Progress Software Corporation (BEDFORD, Mass.): Progress Software Reports First Quarter Results. Revenue for the quarter decreased 16 percent to $60.2 million, down from $72.1 million in the same quarter last year.

Linux At Work

• Acrodyne Industries, Inc. (COCKEYSVILLE, Md.): Acrodyne Ships First Quantum IOT Digital Transmitter to KMWB-TV in Minneapolis; 60kW System to be Installed and On Air by Early April. The system controller is an industrial PC running Linux software.

• Comcast Business Communications (PHILADELPHIA): Comcast Business Communications Hits a Home Run with Detroit's Comerica Park. Comcast Commercial Internet service 2.0 (CCIS 2.0) runs on a Linux-based Sun Cobalt Qube 3.

• MDS Proteomics (TORONTO & ODENSE, Denmark): MDS Proteomics Expands Denmark and Toronto Facilities to Meet High Demand for Proteomics Research; Boston and Charlottesville Facilities to Follow. The new Denmark facility also has the 11th largest Linux cluster in the world, consisting of 101 computers, each with 2 x 1Ghz CPU & 2 GB ram.

• SGI (MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.): Tippett Studio Selects SGI as Content Creation Production Platform Provider. Tippett Studio specializes in complex effects and 3D animation for feature films. They use SGI equipment and they have made a significant purchase of new SGI machines, including several Linux-based Silicon Graphics 230 and Silicon Graphics 330 workstations.

Other

• CMP Media Inc. (MANHASSET, N.Y.): Network Computing Magazine Wins Jesse H. Neal Business Journalism Award. Network Computing was recognized for their June 26, 2000 cover story, "The Linux Challenge", written by contributing editors Greg Shipley and Kevin Novak and edited by Julie Strasberg.

• Free Software Foundation (Brasilia, Brazil): RMS addresses Brazilian Congress on Free Software and the Ethics of Copyright and Patents.

Section Editor: Rebecca Sobol.

Next: Linux in the news